The annual fall event, which runs from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., will feature all its traditional Nordic-themed activities, along with several new attractions.

“This year’s big addition is the live filming of the ‘Mad Dog & Merrill Midwest Grill’n TV Show,'” said Norway DDA Interim Coordinator Kenzie Williamsen. “The segment will be Norway- and Viking-themed.”

The live production will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. across from the bandshell.

“We are excited to have them with us,” said festival organizer Barbara Thorne, who hosted the first celebration in 1992 at their Scandinavian gift shop, the Swedish Passport.

The Viking Re-enactors demonstrate combat battle during the 2024 Leif Erikson parade. Viking Village will again be set up across from City Hall for this year’s event. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News)

Williamsen said with the additions, the schedule of events has also changed from last year.

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

The event will feature a 10k, 5k, and 2-mile fun run. At the conclusion of the run about 10:30 a.m., awards and prizes will be presented at the bandshell. To sign up, go to https://runsignup.com/leifsrun.

“We are excited to see the race growing,” Williamsen said.

Thorne noted that Mike’s on Main will start the day off serving a Swedish pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. They will also have the special on Sunday.

“The downtown will be hustling from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.,” Williamsen said. “There will be something for the whole family to enjoy.”

Viking Village will set up camp across from the bandshell. Throughout the day Vikings will do demonstrations, including a combat show, giving visitors a glimpse into what life was like.

The Taste of Norway food booths will open at 10 a.m. and will be stationed next to the stage on Ninth Avenue.

Shoppers can check out the expanded Art & Artisans Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We are going to do a few things different this year,” said event volunteer Monica McElroy-Denissen.

Vendors will be set up in the American Legion Hall, the parking lot on the corner of Sixth Avenue and the Veterans Pocket Park, she said.

“We have a nice mix of brand-new vendors, along with those returning that we love and that have supported us over the years,” McElroy-Denissen said. “There will be a large selection of arts and crafts, and Artisan Market will offer many homemade products including jams, jellies and honey.”

Local culinary expert Renee Pollard, a retired Norway High School teacher, will do cooking demonstrations at the American Legion Hall.

Plans are to create a Karlaskali — norske for men’s lodge — in the pocket park. “This will be a fun space for them to hang out and offer special activities and demonstrations that are geared for them,” she explained.

Blacksmith and woodcarving demonstrations will take place at the corner parking lot. They will also have fall produce for sale and peony plants available.

“Monica has put a lot of time into the newly expanded market,” Thorne noted.

Free kids crafts will take place this year inside the American Legion hall until 2 p.m., McElroy-Denissen said.

Children are invited to make their own Viking shield, along with bracelets or necklaces. Fifth Ave Fab has created special Viking symbols to be added to the kids’ pieces.

Danielson’s Greenhouse and Floral will bring in greens for kids to make “Leif Crowns” at no cost.

“If they come early enough they will be able to wear them for the parade and around the event,” Thorne said.

Children can also enjoy the inflatable area, including bounce house, slide and obstacle course and face painting in the parking lot next to Mike’s on Main.

Another fun highlight of the festivities is the axe throwing near City Hall.

The crowning of 2025 Miss Norway and Norse King will be at 11:10 a.m. at the bandshell, followed by the announcement of the Friend of Norway.

The Leif Erikson parade steps off at 11:30 a.m. Participants can line up near St. Mary Catholic Church on Main Street and Fourth Avenue.

“Kids that participate in the parade will receive $5 in Viking Bucks,” Thorne said.

Goodfellas of the Menominee and Marinette, Wis., area will play a variety of old standards and country music from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the downtown stage.

The popular hayride is coming back for families to enjoy down Main Street until 3 p.m.

The Norway Senior Center will host a luncheon, along with a bake and craft sale.

The Rainbow will also host a Vendor Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the shop at W6139 U.S. 2 in Norway.

“This is another nice addition,” Thorne said. “We encourage everyone to stop by to visit their crafts before heading to town.”

The Jake Menghini Historical Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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.

Organizers are still seeking volunteers for the event. Anyone interested can contact Thorne at 906-282-4426.

Williamsen encourages the Norway residents and surrounding community members to come out and enjoy the entire day in downtown Norway. “We are looking forward to continuing this fun tradition for years to come,” she said.

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

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.