Please come join us in Thorsby, Alabama this October to help celebrate our 35th year of honoring our heritage.

Thorsby was founded in 1895 by people of Scandinavian descent who had previously settled in the northern United States. They came to Alabama hoping to raise fruits to sell and to use to make wine. The northern climate had proven  unsuitable for growing grapes so Central Alabama was chosen as a good candidate for a new start.

The idea of the festival to honor these early settlers began in the late 1980's with the first event being held in 1988. It was called the Swedish Festival but it actually celebrates its truly Scandinavian beginning's. Alongside those Swedish settlers were peoples from Norway, Finland, and Denmark as well.

5K Viking Run

Come and begin your Swedish Festival experience in Thorsby, Alabama by participating in the 5k Viking Run. The run will begin at 7:30 am and take you from town on a moderately level course out to the midway point and back.

Time:
6:45am - 7:15am: ​Registration
7:30am: Race Start

Auto  Show

As part of the Swedish Festival, there will be a car show held on the Thorsby School grounds adjacent to the park. Please follow the link below for more general information and entry classes.

9:00am: Parade

Click here for Parade Application