THE 32ND LEIF ERIKSON Festival takes place on Saturday in downtown Norway. Activities conclude at 7 p.m. with the torchlight parade and Viking Funeral around Strawberry Lake. Leif Erikson committee member Carol Sundstrom and Norway Downtown Development Authority Coordinator Gina Zanon prepare the bandshell on Main Street for the annual festival. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

NORWAY — The city of Norway will celebrate its Scandinavian history and culture Saturday as they host its 32nd Leif Erikson Festival.

The annual fall event — named for the Norse explorer who is believed to have been the first European to step foot in North America at about 1,000 A.D. — will again feature all its favorite Nordic-themed activities, along with a few new additions.

“There will be a variety of events and attractions — there’s definitely something for everyone,” said Carol Sundstrom, committee member, adding most of the day’s activities will be centered on Main Street.

The festival kicks off at 9 a.m. with the Leif’s Run in front of City Hall.

“We are encouraging runners to come dressed as Vikings,” Sundstrom said.

All awards and prizes will present at the bandshell at the conclusion of the run.

The downtown stage comes to life at 11 a.m. with the local duo Norton & Chartier performing a variety of classic rock tunes.

Retired Norway High School teacher Renee Pollard, who is known for her culinary talents, will do cooking demonstrations with taste testing from 11 a.m. to noon at the American Legion Hall.

The Artisan Craft Show will be set up for shoppers from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the hall and the parking lot on Sixth Avenue.

Ten Mile Creek Forge of Bark River will be amongst the vendors returning and will demonstrate blacksmith skills.

Visitors can also stop by the farmers market next to Mister Mom’s.

Kids will again be able to make Viking costumes from 10 a.m. to noon in the children’s area in the parking lot next to Mike’s on Main, so they can take part in the parade. “Every costumed child in the parade will receive Viking Bucks,” Sundstrom said.

Children can also enjoy bounce houses and slides, a petting zoo, face painting and crafts.

Kids will also be able to make their own Leif crowns to wear.

The Taste of Norway food vendors will be stationed from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. under a large tent this year next to the stage on Ninth Avenue.

“This will help the vendors and also assist in case of bad weather,” Sundstrom said.

A new highlight will be Back 40 Axe Throwing, which will be set up on 10th Avenue.

“We are excited to have them with us,” she said.

The 2024 Miss Norway and Norse King will be crowned at 12:30 p.m. at the bandshell, followed by the announcement of the Friend of Norway.

The Leif Erikson parade steps off at 1 p.m. Participants can line up near St. Mary Catholic Church on Main Street and Fourth Avenue.

Viking reenactors will return to set up camp across from the bandshell. Throughout the day they will do demonstrations, giving visitors a glimpse into what Viking life was like. They will also put on a show demonstrating combat skills at 1:30 p.m.

Station 45 of the Escanaba area will play from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the bandshell. They perform a variety of rock, country and blues from several decades. “They are very good — we are excited to have them,” Sundstrom said.

The community is invited to take free wagon rides down Main Street until 3 p.m.

Fest-goers are reminded that the Jake Menghini Museum will be open to give the public the last opportunity to see its “Photography Through the Ages” exhibit before it closes for the season.

True North Outpost will host a Viking River Float from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Several Norway businesses will be participating in the event by offering themed food items or other specials.

The evening will conclude at 7 p.m. with the popular torchlight parade and Viking funeral at Strawberry Lake. The “Night of the Vikings” ends with the dramatic launch of a fiery funeral raft on the lake. Those attending are asked to meet at Knights Kingdom.

The committee thanks all their sponsors for their help to bring the event to the community and making it a success.

“Everyone is encouraged to bring their family down to Norway to enjoy a fun day,” Sundstrom said.

For more information on the Leif Erikson Festival go to https://www.leiferiksonfest.com or the Facebook page.