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Norway’s Leif Erikson Festival a chance to celebrate Viking style

By TERRI CASTELAZ, Staff Writer 6 min read

NORWAY -- Vikings will once again take over downtown Norway as the city celebrates the legendary Norse explorer Leif Erikson on Saturday, Oct. 10.

The 34th-annual Leif Erikson Festival will bring together the community and visitors for a mix of Scandinavian food, entertainment, history and family activities stretching nearly the length of Main Street.

The daylong celebration will feature many of its traditional Nordic-themed activities, along with some new attractions.

"There's something for the entire family to do and enjoy the entire day," Norway Downtown Development Authority Coordinator Kenzie Williamsen said.

The festival will get underway at 9 a.m. with the annual Leif's Run in front of City Hall.

"It's a great way to start us off in the morning," Williamsen said.

The race will feature 10K, 5K and 2-mile fun-run options.

"We had a great turnout last year," she said. "It's looking like we're going to have beautiful weather, with the fall colors making the scenery even more spectacular."

Participants can still register for the race online at RunSignUp.com/LeifsRun. Those who register will receive a Leif's Run T-shirt, while anyone who signs up the day of the event will receive their shirts after the run.

"I'm excited for the run," Williamsen said. "We encourage spectators to come out to cheer them on across the finish line."

The race will conclude at approximately 10:30 a.m., with awards and prizes presented at the bandshell.

Race participants also will receive $5 in Viking Bucks, which can be redeemed at participating businesses through the end of the year.

Mama Bears Brew will be set up inside City Hall in the morning for runners and spectators.

As the run wraps up, festival activities will begin throughout downtown.

The Taste of Norway food booths will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. near the stage on Ninth Avenue.

"We will have 10 vendors here," Williamsen said.

Festival organizer Barb Thorne, who hosted the first celebration in 1992 at her Scandinavian gift shop, the Swedish Passport, said several vendors will offer specialty treats along with Scandinavian sweets.

Food vendors will also be in the American Legion Hall and the Veterans Pocket Park.

Matilda's Ears and Harmony Hearth Bakery will be participating, Williamsen said.

Several local businesses will have special menu items for the festival.

"Mike's on Main will be serving Swedish pancakes and Maule's on Main will be offering Swedish meatballs," Thorne said.

The Lions Club will return with a variety of lunch options, while several fundraising groups will host bake sales.

Williamsen said visitors have an opportunity to support these local organizations and classes while enjoying the festival.

The Art & Artisan Market will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the American Legion Hall.

Visitors also can watch a cooking demonstration at 10 a.m. featuring traditional Cornish pasties led by local culinary expert Renee Pollard, a retired Norway High School teacher.

Families with children will have plenty of activities to choose from as well.

An inflatable area featuring a bounce house, slide and obstacle course will be set up in the parking lot next to Mike's on Main, along with face painting.

Children can make their own Viking shields and costume pieces at the American Legion. "Those who make them in the morning can wear them for the parade and during the time at the event," Thorne said.

Viking Village, across from City Hall, will give visitors a glimpse into the world of the Norse explorers.

Throughout the day, Vikings will conduct demonstrations, including a combat show at the bandshell.

"There's a large crew of Vikings coming this year," Thorne said. "They get so in character -- it's a lot of fun watching them."

At 11:10 a.m., attention will turn to the bandshell for the crowning of the 2026 Miss Norway and Norse King, organized by the Norway Area Preservation Society. The announcement of the Friend of Norway recognition will follow.

"We have nine court members this year," Thorne said. "They will all be riding in a float this year."

The annual Leif Erikson parade will step off at noon from St. Mary Catholic Church and travel down Main Street.

Children participating in the festival will have the opportunity to ride on a float and show off their costumes. They are welcome to walk in the parade as well.

Williamsen noted 50 young parade participants will receive goodie bags that will include Viking Bucks.

The popular hayride will return, giving families a chance to enjoy a ride along Main Street until 3 p.m.

Music will take over the bandshell during the afternoon, with Victorious, a band from the Amberg, Wis., area, making its festival debut. The group will perform a variety of rock 'n' roll music from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Mister Mom's will host a Glogg demonstration. The traditional Scandinavian drink is a warm, spiced mulled wine, Williamsen said.

Axe throwing also comes back to the festival and will be set up near City Hall.

Williamsen encourages festival-goers to take their time making their way down Main Street and stop at local businesses along the way.

The festival's final act will take place after dark. The popular "Night of the Vikings" will begin at 7 p.m. with the annual torchlight parade and Viking funeral at Strawberry Lake.

Those attending are asked to meet at Knights Kingdom before following the Vikings around the lake. Participants will receive glow sticks, although attendees also are welcome to bring a light of their own.

The procession will continue to the fishing pier, where the Viking funeral will take place.

The evening will conclude with the dramatic launch of a fiery funeral raft onto Strawberry Lake.

"I don't want to give away all the secrets, but it's fun," Williamsen said.

The festival will wrap up at about 8:30 p.m.

"We hope everyone comes out for the day to enjoy one of Norway's long-time traditions," she said.

For more information on the Leif Erikson Festival, go to 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.

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