Rushford Lutheran Cod Fish Supper: 88 Years of Lefse, Meatballs, and Community Tradition

Norsland Lefse has made and sold lefse to local residents in Rushford for many years. For nearly as long, they have provided the lefse for a cherished annual event: the Rushford Lutheran Church Cod Fish Supper. Since 1937, the Rushford Lutheran Men’s Club has hosted this traditional codfish supper every fall. In 2025, the event celebrates its 88th year.

Traditional Codfish Dinner Menu

Cod, a flaky white fish with a mild flavor, is served with melted butter and boiled potatoes. Additional menu items include Scandinavian-style meatballs and gravy, coleslaw, dinner rolls, and of course, Norsland Lefse. For dessert, attendees enjoy ice cream and vanilla wafers or, more recently, Christmas cookies provided by the women of the congregation.

Preserving Lefse-Making Traditions

In the past, women from the congregation would gather on the Saturday before the supper to make lefse in the church basement, working in teams with six lefse grills. As participation declined, the church began ordering lefse from Norsland Lefse. Last year, they purchased 400 rounds of lefse for the event.

Community Involvement and Meal Preparation

Each year, about ten women still come together early on the day of the supper to make the traditional large homemade meatballs. The rest of the meal is prepared by the men of the congregation. Responsibilities are divided: one person orders supplies, another prepares the gravy, while others cook the fish, make the coleslaw, and peel and boil the potatoes. Meals are served family-style, with platters placed on the tables.

A Rich History of Service and Fellowship

Merlin Lukkason, who worked the event for over 40 years, shared that tickets originally cost just 25 to 35 cents. At its peak, the supper drew 1,200 to 1,500 attendees annually—a remarkable turnout for a town of 1,239 people in 1980. Tickets were sold for scheduled seatings, and guests waited in the worship area until their number was called. Meal service sometimes extended past 8:30 p.m., with clean-up going until 10:00 p.m.

Around 20 years ago, carry-out codfish dinners were introduced. Today, attendance averages around 500, with 100 carry-outs. A newer church addition has shortened wait times for guests.

Originally held on Thursday nights, the supper was moved to Saturdays. Due to conflicts with local high school football playoffs, the event now takes place on the first Saturday of October.

Volunteer Spirit and Kitchen Camaraderie

All men working the supper receive official aprons. While one chairman once suggested white shirts, practicality won out. Even the pastor pitches in with dishwashing, and kids help their dads in the kitchen. To manage the fish smell, cooking was eventually moved to the church garage. Moisture from cooking once made the church kitchen floors slippery, so volunteers learned to slide rather than step.

A Meal Worth Remembering

The team ensures there is always plenty of food. Extra meatballs are made and sold after church the next day. The only item they've ever run out of? Potatoes. Still, no one left hungry thanks to the abundance of cod, lefse, meatballs, and more.

Tickets are sold in advance—$20 for adults and $12 for children—for an all-you-care-to-eat meal. Proceeds support various church projects. Mark your calendars: the 88th Annual Rushford Lutheran Cod Fish Supper is set for October 4, 2025. Join in to experience Norwegian-American food, tradition, and community at its best.

Visit Rushford Lutheran Church website for more information and directions.