Now the institution at Bakken is closing: 'Times are no longer for it. And I don't think it will get better.'
A family-owned entertainment institution at Bakken, known for its sharp humor, is closing down after 80 years due to changing guest attitudes.
The family-run entertainment venue at Bakken, renowned for its comedic insults directed at patrons, will be closing its doors after 80 years of operation. Helene Højmoses, a representative of the family, noted that the times have changed and that the humorous approach no longer resonates with visitors. Her grandfather, Viggo Sørensen, was the second generation to manage the venue, having taken over from his father and passing it down to Helene's immediate family. Over the last 15 years, they had hired performers to continue this tradition of humor, which has become a cherished aspect of Bakken's atmosphere.
Despite the long-standing popularity of the venue, there has been a noticeable shift in the audience's reception to the comedic style that once thrived there. Helene reflects that the guests have become more sensitive and less tolerant of the teasing and playful interactions that characterized their experience at Bakken. This shift in social dynamics has led the family to realize that the essence of their entertainment, which relied heavily on witty banter, is no longer sustainable in the current climate.
The closing of this institution is a significant change for Bakken, which has hosted numerous generations of visitors who engaged in its unique brand of humor. As the iconic site prepares to shut down, it raises questions about the evolving nature of entertainment and the challenges traditional venues face in adapting to the modern expectations of audiences. Helene's candid remarks about the changing times highlight a broader cultural shift that could impact various aspects of entertainment across similar venues.