The public is invited to celebrate Thorsby’s Scandinavian roots at the town’s 26th annual Swedish Festival on Saturday.

Festivities will begin with the Viking 5K Run at 8 a.m.

Those wanting to participate may still sign up before the run. Registration is $35 per person.

Run participants will depart from Richard Wood Park.

Line-up for the parade will be at 8:30 a.m. at the old sewing factory in town.

The parade will start at 9 a.m. and will travel south on Highway 31, turn right across the railroad tracks past Richard Wood Park, turn around the park and end at Thorsby High School.

The 2014 Swedish Fest Queens crowned Oct. 6 and 7 will ride in the parade on a furnished float.

The newly crowned queens are Miss Morgan Lucas, Junior Miss Taylor Pierce, Young Miss Mia Deason, Little Miss Cresley Haggard and Tiny Miss Lanie Adams.

The queens, along with Baby Miss Photogenic Nora Kayte Camarillo, will be introduced at the festival.

The car show will start at 9 a.m., and people may still register to participate.

The cost is $25.

More than 80 vendors are expected to sell food, jewelry, arts and crafts, clothing and other items at Richard Wood Park.

“As of right now, we have 86 vendors, so it’s going to be a big one this year,” Swedish Fest Committee Chairwoman Laura Liveoak said.

Art show entries will be displayed under the pavilion throughout the festival.

Train rides for children will be available for $1 per child.

A bounce house and face painting will also be available.

Those interested in the town’s history can visit the Thorsby Museum, which will be open during the festival.

The museum is located in the old bank building at the corner of Montgomery Avenue and Jones Street.

Thorsby Mayor Jean Nelson will offer a word of welcome at 10 a.m., and Marc Hodges will give an opening prayer.

Casey Clark and the Thorsby High School Band will perform the National Anthem.

Float winners in the parade will be announced.

The following is the entertainment schedule for the festival, which ends at 2 p.m.:

•Just Twirl It – 10:30 a.m.

•Impact Martial Arts – 10:45 a.m.

•Brian Jones and Keri Stallings – 10:55 a.m.

•Just Dance – 11:20 a.m.

•Impact Martial Arts – 11:30 a.m.

•One Way Up – 11:40 a.m.

•Donna’s Dancers – 12:15 p.m.

•Announcements – 12:35 p.m.

•Impact Martial Arts – 12:50 p.m.

•Jessie Minor – 1 p.m.

•Car show awards – 2 p.m.

Liveoak said the festival is a family-oriented event that benefits the entire town.

“It is very dear to my heart because the money goes back into the town,” Liveoak said. “Everybody can enjoy it. When you’re giving back to your community and not showing favoritism, I feel like you’re really doing something.”

Liveoak said the Swedish Fest Committee would accept new members to join the group and help organize future Swedish Festivals.

“We are looking for new members, and they are welcome to join us,” Liveoak said. “We do appreciate the community for stepping up and supporting us by participating as far as vendors. We appreciate anybody that comes and helps us out with entertainment. It’s just really good for the whole community to bond.”