Lindsborg hosts a biennial community-wide festival where many community members don traditional Swedish folk costumes in celebration of the Swedish pioneers who settled the Smoky Valley 150 years ago.

Svensk Hyllningsfest features art and crafts, special foods, ethnic music, and other special entertainment while Swedish folk dancers and musicians lend a unique character and spirit to the festival.

Newcomers have as much fun "becoming Swedish" as do the longtime residents. This community closeness may be the highest tribute we can pay to the immigrants who also exemplified this kind of unity - a fitting legacy for future residents of the Smoky Valley. Dancers - from eager young grade school students who have been practicing for months, to the Lindsborg Swedish Folk Dancers (high school age students) and the Lindsborg Folkdanslag (their adult counterparts) - are charming and enthusiastic performers.

The festival also features live demonstrations of cooking, arts, crafts, and a folk costumes exhibit, a small sampling of what to expect during your visit. The parade at 10:00 AM on Saturday morning, features area marching bands, floats, antique cars, and other entries, a favorite event for many festival-goers. find the full schedule of events at www.svenskhyllningsfest.org.