COEUR d’ALENE — For people who love lutefisk, they'll be pleased to know the annual Lutefisk and Lefse dinner is this Saturday.

For those who don't love lutefisk, there are always meatballs.

"Meatballs have always been a part of the Norwegian lutefisk meal, and the thing is, not everybody loves lutefisk, so they have to have an alternative meat," said Sons of Norway trustee Marge Johnson. "It just gives everybody a choice or they can have both."

Johnson, who has been a been a member of Sons of Norway for 25 years, said the annual lutefisk feast provides an opportunity for those of Norwegian heritage to come together and share stories while enjoying traditional food.

"Associating with like people of Norwegian ancestry is important," she said. "But it's not just the Norwegians who eat (lutefisk). It's everybody."

Sons of Norway is a community of people who celebrate their Norwegian heritage and traditions. The North Idaho chapter, the Harald Haarfager Lodge, actively participates in several community events throughout the year.

"The camaraderie is very important," she said. "It's important for Norwegians to mingle with people of the heritage they grew up with."

Traditionally, lutefisk is prepared by soaking dried cod in lye to tenderize it, then skinning, boning and boiling it until it's a gel-like consistency. Lefse is a Norwegian flatbread.

The annual Lutefisk and Lefse meal will be held in Trinity Lutheran Church, 812 N. Fifth St., Coeur d'Alene. It will have three seatings: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 1 to 2 p.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. The buffet-style meal will also include the meatballs, potatoes, carrots, pickled beets and sandbakkels (cookies) and ice cream.

Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for youths 6 to 17 and free for 6 and younger. Admission for families (parents and kids) is $50.

Reservations are required by Wednesday. Contact Johnson at 208-772-2903.