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The 2024 Swedish Festival in Thorsby got started with its parade through downtown. (BRANDON EVANS | CONTRIBUTED)

The 2024 Swedish Festival Auto Show featured over a dozen unique cars both new and old. (BRANDON EVANS | CONTRIBUTED)

Hundreds of vendors were on hand for visitors to browse through while attending the festival. (BRANDON EVANS | CONTRIBUTED)

The newly crowned Miss Swedish Queens toss candy to the crowd during the parade. (BRANDON EVANS | CONTRIBUTED)

Various forms of live entertainment were featured on the main stage throughout the festival. (BRANDON EVANS | CONTRIBUTED)

The crowd watching the entertainment in Richard Wood Park. (BRANDON EVANS | CONTRIBUTED)

Furry friends enjoyed the experience at the Swedish Festival. (BRANDON EVANS | CONTRIBUTED)

A Miss Swedish Queen helping serve lemonade at the festival that raises funds for the queens’ charity work. (BRANDON EVANS | CONTRIBUTED)

Candy is tossed to the crowd during the Swedish Festival parade. (BRANDON EVANS | CONTRIBUTED)

A 1969 Chevrolet Camaro was a huge attraction at the 2024 Swedish Festival Auto Show. (BRANDON EVANS | CONTRIBUTED)

By Carey Reeder | Managing Editor

The City of Thorsby’s biggest celebration took over the heart of the city on Oct. 12 as the 36th installment of the Swedish Festival was held. The yearly celebration that celebrates the Scandinavian heritage of the founders of Thorsby was held once again at Richard Wood Park, welcoming thousands of visitors to the slow-going central Alabama community.

The day of celebrations started with the Viking Run at 7:30 a.m., followed by the Swedish Festival parade that featured the newly crowned Miss Swedish Queens — Miss Swedish Queen Maggy Harrelson, Junior Miss Swedish Queen Addison Cordell, Young Miss Swedish Queen Alaina Oldroyd, Little Miss Swedish Queen Maddilyn Lucas and Tiny Miss Swedish Queen Aiyanna Nolasco. Bryson Oldroyd, Draven Patterson and Kris Wood were the winners in the Viking Run.

Marc Hodges, pastor of Thorsby First Baptist Church, welcomed the guests to the festival on the main stage to open the day, and various forms of live entertainment were featured on stage throughout the morning and afternoon. The crowd favorites from years past like the art show gallery, car show, hundreds of vendors, food trucks and a kid’s zone were all back in 2024, offering the same great experience that has been consistent for 36 years. The 2024 Swedish Festival Auto Show winners were Billy Brock’s 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle as the People’s Choice and Best Old School Awards, and Danny Stevens’ 2011 Chevrolet Camaro as the Best New School and the Best Engine Awards.

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