By Tracia Bussey

Saturday, Oct. 13 couldn’t have been a more beautiful day for a festival. The sun was bright, the sky was clear and the temperature was in the low 80s; it was just perfect for another successful year of fun and celebration in Thorsby.

This year’s first-time event, the Thorsby 5K Viking Run, took off at 8 a.m. with 43 runners. It was a well-run and organized race headed up by Derek Price. The first-place winner of $100 in the men’s division was Doug Mims, and the women’s first-place winner of $100 was Samantha Pitts Sims, both from Clanton. Each participant in the race received a nice goody bag and a T-shirt.

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Following the race was the parade, led by Swedish Fest Committee member Tom Huett in his Viking attire. This year’s special guest and grand marshal was Fred Hunter of Fox 6 Absolutely Alabama. He and his wife enjoyed the parade and the festivities. Fred Hunter filmed a visit to Thorsby last year for his Absolutely Alabama documentary. He will add photos from Saturday’s festival to that film for future airing.

Winners for best decorated parade floats were the Thorsby Minors (first place, $75), Thorsby Rebels Majors (second place, $50) and the Thorsby Midgets (third place, $25). The Swedish Fest Parade Director is Thorsby Town Council member Neal Benson.

Opening ceremonies kicked off in the Richard H. Wood Memorial Park at 10:30 a.m. with a warm welcome to all. An array of entertainment followed, including special guest singer and musician Jessie Minor. The Swedish Fest Entertainment Director is Nancy Huett.