The annual Leif Erikson Fall Festival takes place Saturday in Norway. The celebration kicks off with the Leif Run starting at 9 a.m. in front of the city hall on Main Street. Committee members, from left, are Gail Galotta, Carol Sundstrom, Laura Schwartz, Dennis Lynch and Ray Anderson. (Daily News photo)

By TERRI CASTELAZ

Daily News

NORWAY — Vikings return to Norway on Saturday, as the city celebrates its Scandinavian heritage.

The annual Leif Erikson Fall Festival will again feature all its favorite Nordic-themed activities.

The planning committee has also made a few changes and additions to its full slate of events.

“We are excited to have the Leif Run kick off the day on Saturday,” committee member Carol Sundstrom said. “Runners will be sent off and welcomed back right on Main Street — it’s going to be so fun cheering them on.”

While the race took place on the outskirts of town in the past, the committee thought it should be showcased within the city.

The Viking-themed run, which includes a 10K, 5K and 2-mile fun event, begins at 9 a.m. in front of City Hall.

“Runners can enjoy the view of the fall colors around Norway Hill and Strawberry Lake,” committee member Dennis Lynch said. “They will also have a water stop at the Norway Spring.”

Race day registration will be 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. in the City Hall basement. Participants will also receive a long-sleeved T-shirt and Viking Bucks to spend at participating businesses.

The race will be chip-timed and winners will be announced about 10:30 a.m. at the bandshell.

“We encourage runners to dress in Viking-theme attire,” Sundstrom said, noting in addition to the medals, they will also award prizes for the best Viking costume.

To register for the Leif Run or for more information, go to https://www.leiferiksonfest.com.

The celebration continues at 10 a.m. in downtown Norway.

Viking Village will be set up across from City Hall, where re-enactors will do demonstrations throughout the day.

“This is always a highlight for kids as well as adults,” Sundstrom said. “It’s so cool, and educational, too.”

Two bands will take stage to provide musical entertainment for the afternoon starting at 10:45 a.m. The Goodfellas of the Menominee-Marinette, Wis., area will start off performing a variety of old standards from the ’40s, rock and roll from the ’50s on up, and country.

At 1 p.m., the Grand Design Band of Escanaba takes stage. The group plays a wide variety of music.

“Between sets, Viking demonstrations will take place at the bandshell,” she said.

Everyone can have lunch at the Taste of Norway food booths next to the bandshell, then check out blacksmithing demonstrations and enjoy a wagon ride up and down Main Street until 3 p.m.

Crafters, artists and vendors will have their merchandise for sale at the American Legion, and other indoor and outdoor locations. They will also have fall produce and farmers market in the Veterans Park next to the Legion hall.

“There is definitely something for everyone,” Sundstrom said. “They can easily spend the afternoon with all the entertainment.”

The crowning of Miss Norway will be at 2:30 p.m. at the bandshell, followed by the announcement of the Friend of Norway.

There’s also plenty for the children to do, as they have two bounce houses, a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting and crafts.

“Kids will also be able to put together their own costume and then wear it in the parade,” Sundstrom said. “They also can dress up their pets for the parade.”

Due to the addition of the music, the parade will step off at 3 p.m. Line-up is at 2:45 p.m. near St. Mary Catholic Church on Main and Fourth streets.

“Every costumed child in the parade will receive Viking Bucks and a treat,” she said.

The evening will conclude at 7 p.m. with the dramatic torchlight walk around Strawberry Lake to attend a traditional Viking burial and funeral pyre. Everyone is asked to meet at Knights Kingdom, where everyone will receive a free glow stick.

In conjunction with festival, the Jake Menghini Museum will also be open for tours Friday and Saturday.

Many local businesses will offer specials on Saturday, Sundstrom added.

Mike’s on Main will serve a Swedish pancake breakfast starting at 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

“We are hoping for good weather and, so far, the forecast looks to be cool and clear on Saturday,” she said. “We will take that.”

“The success of the outdoor event all depends on weather,” Lynch added.

Sundstrom did note the city this year will not be doing tours of the hydraulic dam.

The 2023 Leif Erikson Fall Festival sponsors include: Gold — Norway Downtown Development Authority, Curtis J. Brackett Memorial Fund Foundation and Higher Love; Silver — Northern Interstate Bank, Mouw & Celello Law Offices, Steve and Deb Tinti, Holmberg Insurance, Norway Eye Care and Swedish Passport; Bronze — Go Tech, U.P. State Credit Union and Krist Oil; Copper — Forslund Building Center, Era Chevrolet, Cutting Edge Salon and Peterson’s Electric.

“We had great support this year with local business,” Lynch said.