Lindsborg hosts another successful Hyllningsfest Celebration

LINDSBORG — Thousands of visitors converged on this central Kansas town over the weekend of October 17 and 18 for Svensk Hyllningsfest, a biennial celebration of Swedish heritage that drew residents and tourists alike to experience traditional folk dances, ethnic foods, and cultural exhibits.

The festival, in its 84th year, honored the Swedish pioneers who settled the Smoky Valley in 1868 and 1869. Residents donned traditional Swedish folk costumes throughout the weekend, welcoming visitors to what organizers called "the Best Square Mile on Earth."

"Our community loves to host new visitors to experience and celebrate our Swedish heritage," organizers said in a festival statement.

The two-day event featured a parade on Saturday morning that began at 10 a.m., followed by various activities including an inaugural Kubb tournament, a traditional Swedish yard game, and folk dancing performances. Visitors sampled Swedish specialties including lutfisk, potato sausage, and entries from the smörgåsbord, which organizers noted sold out quickly.

A children's tent offered drum safaris and puppet shows, while the Smoky Valley Arts and Folklife Center showcased traditional Swedish costumes. The Lindsborg Swedish Folk Dancers, composed of select high school students who commit to four years of participation, provided folk dancing performances throughout the festival.

Approximately 400 students in Lindsborg schools learn traditional Swedish dances starting in first grade in preparation for the festival, which occurs every other year in October of odd-numbered years.

The celebration kicked off Thursday evening with a community church service at Bethany Lutheran Church, and shuttle buses on 15-minute schedules transported visitors between parking areas and downtown events throughout the weekend.

Bethany College, located in Lindsborg, held its homecoming festivities concurrent with the festival.

Check out more of Sarah's stunning Hyllningsfest photography HERE.