By Scott Mims

A new sign beside Highway 31 welcomes motorists to the town of Thorsby and also bears a reminder of the town’s Scandinavian origins.

The sign, funded by the Thorsby Swedish Fest Committee, was a collaborative effort by several groups and individuals.

Located at the south end of town near Burnett Farms, the sign reads: “Welcome to Thorsby — A Scandinavian Settlement” and has two images of Thorsby’s Coat of Arms, which was designed by Swedes and voted on by town residents during last year’s Swedish Festival.

“I think it’s something that everyone in the town can be proud of,” said committee chairwoman Tracia Bussey. “We feel like it rightly represents what Thorsby’s all about.”

The letters and background are made of a high-density foam material designed for use in signage. The pieces were cut by members of the Cabinet Making and Carpentry Department of LeCroy Career/Technical Center in Clanton, using a CNC (computer numerical controlled) router.

Course instructor Jason Sosa said students designed and illustrated the sign using the computerized tool.

“It’s just a great collaboration with the career/tech center being able to work with a local community to provide a service,” Sosa said.

Thorsby resident Nancy Huett painted the sign, and her husband, Tom Huett, helped hang the sign along with Thorsby Historic Preservation Committee member Glen Littleton.

Town council member Marvin Crumpton oversaw the construction of the rock wall. City workers poured the concrete, and the wall and rock columns were contracted out. Raymond Huffstutler made and fitted the metal brackets.

Two signs were made, and the total cost for both signs and landscaping will come to about $8,000 — to be paid for with proceeds from past Swedish Festivals.

“We have the sign for the other end of town. We just lack a piece of property to put it on,” Bussey said.

Bussey thanked members of the Swedish Fest Committee, the Thorsby Historic Preservation Committee, Mayor Dearl Hilyer and the town council, and anyone else who volunteered their time or support.