POULSBO — In the old days, if a Viking wanted something he usually just pillaged a foreign land and took it.

Fortunately, over the centuries the group has become much more refined, even dignified, in its methods. Now, they ask politely. This is exactly what organizers of Viking Fest are doing this year as they prepare for the mid-May celebration.

Financial support is down for the 2002 festival, according to Marketing Director Michael Svardh, but instead of taking it as a setback — Viking Fest officials are seeing it as an opportunity.

“In the past there has been a small group of prominent sponsors for Viking Fest,” Svardh explained, noting that the situation has changed due to the lagging economy and the aftermath of Sept. 11.

The select few are even fewer and as a result the annual celebration of Norwegian Constitution Day (Syttende Mai) has the opportunity become the largest community-backed festival in North Kitsap.

“Basically, we’re trying to get the word out to everyone that they can sponsor the event,” Svardh said. “It’s one of the biggest community events in Kitsap County and we want to open it up to all of Kitsap County.”

To accomplish this goal, organizers are accepting official sponsorships from businesses and residents from the $75 level and up. Sponsors, Svardh said, will be listed on the event website www.vikingfest.org.

Companies providing larger donations will have their logos shown on the site as well.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities contact Svardh at (360) 638-1991 or via email at Marketing@VikingFest.org. Additional contact information and schedule times for everything from the parade to the fireworks show is also available at www.vikingfest.org.

“Anyone interested in sponsoring it can,” he remarked.