POULSBO — The weekend forecast predicted rain, but the skies were clear on this day.

Rachel Clemons of North Kitsap High School performed a Safeco Field-worthy rendition of the National Anthem. The Vestre Sund Mannskor sang Norway’s national anthem.

A weekend of carnival rides and contests and live entertainment and fair food would follow, but at this moment, the opening ceremony for Viking Fest would provide the deeper understanding of what events like this are all about.

“Our sense of culture, our sense of history are what brings us together” as a community, Mayor Becky Erickson said May 20, in the cool shade of the Austin-Kvelstad Pavilion at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park. “It’s important we do this together.”

And 2016 Viking Fest began. The parade is scheduled for 2 p.m. May 21 — Marina Rockinger of STAR 101.5 FM is the grand marshal — and various contests, including the new Viking Strongman contest, were scheduled for May 22.

Here’s the schedule. Stay tuned on this site for more highlights and photos from the weekend.