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The organizers of the LEIF ERIKSON FALL FESTIVAL – left to right, Carol Sundstrom, John Sundstrom and Nancy Sundstrom – decorate the park in Norway for the annual event this weekend. Activities start at 10 a.m. on Saturday in downtown Norway. (Photo by Terri Castelaz / Daily News)
NORWAY – The city of Norway will celebrate Leif Erikson this weekend with its annual Fall Festival.
October 9 is a day dedicated to the honor of the Nordic explorer who would be the first European to reach North America.
The majority of the festivities will take place outside, as there are always safety concerns in the event of a pandemic, organizer Nancy Sundstrom said.
The extended weather forecast predicts fine fall weather – perfect for the event, she added.
The celebration kicks off at 10 a.m. on Main Street in downtown Norway on Saturday.
Viking reenactments will once again have a camp set up in front of the town’s bandshell to share their history and provide a glimpse into the past.
Everyone is encouraged to walk around the camp, asking questions and taking pictures.
At 11 a.m., Viking reenactors will present a combat demonstration at the bandstand.
The Day Dreamers will perform from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the grandstand. “They performed at Out To Lunch and Music in the Park this year and are fan favorites,” Sundstrom said. “They are really good. “
They play a variety of covers and an occasional original, she added.
The city of Norway will announce its Public Safety Week award winners at 1:30 pm This will only be open to city residents who have registered to participate.
The coronation of Miss Norway and the Nordic King will follow at 1:45 p.m.
The Leif Erikson parade starts at 2 p.m. on Main Street and Fourth Avenue, near St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Children will be able to make their own viking costume, as well as a costume for their pets on a leash, from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the children’s kiosk.
Each child in the parade who has a costume will receive a prize. “It’s gonna be something they’ll like,” Sundstrom said.
Prizes will also be awarded to adults and organizations registrations. “The prizes will consist of Viking bucks, which are redeemable at any Norwegian business”, Sundstrom said. All the prizes will be presented in the grandstand after the parade.
A “The taste of Norway†will feature several restaurants and local organizations offering a variety of foods until 4 p.m. next to the bandstand.
Cart rides can be taken until 2:00 p.m. on Main Street.
Other highlights include the sale of crafts and vendors at the American Legion, 621 Main St .; and blacksmithing demonstrations and a farmers market, both in the Veterans Park area on Main Street.
“This is the perfect opportunity to get pumpkins and fall produce”, Sundstrom said.
The event will also include pony rides and a petting zoo for the kids to enjoy.
New this year will be a visit to the hydraulic dam in the city of Norway. Bus services will be provided from Main Street and Railroad Avenue near the Knight Owl. The first bus will leave at 2:30 p.m., the last bus at 5:00 p.m. Tours and bus trips are free.
“They will also provide free children to those who participate in the tour”, she said.
Those interested in the tours are advised to take the buses, as parking is very limited.
The dedication of Jake’s Cabin will take place at 10 a.m. at the Jake Menghini Historical Museum, 105 Odill Drive in Norway. After the dedication, all museum buildings can be visited until noon. Everyone is requested to wear a mask to enter. Admission is $ 5 for adults and free for students up to high school.
Viking Day will conclude with a torchlight parade at 8 p.m. around Strawberry Lake to the Viking burial and reenactment of the funeral pyre. Participants are to meet at the Knights Kingdom Playground.
Adults must bring a flashlight to navigate the lake path, and children will receive a free glow stick while supplies last.
“It’s fun for the whole family” Sundstrom said.
On Sunday, the community can enjoy a “Breakfast fit for a Viking†8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mike’s On Main.
The Leif Run takes place Sunday at 10 a.m., and will feature competitive 5K and 10K races as well as a fun 3K run / walk. The race starts at Marion Park on US 8. Registration is required for the 5K and 10K races, but not for the 2 mile fun race. The forms are available on leiferiksonfest.com.
Many Norwegian companies will also be offering music, events and specials.
Donations from the Curtis J. Brackett Memorial Fund and the Norwegian Downtown Development Association help make the festival possible.
“After canceling last year, we are just happy to be able to organize the event”, Sundstrom said. “Next year we plan to be bigger and better. “
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