Vikings Take the Town During Swedish Festival

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. October 14, 2008

MOUNT JEWETT, PA, August 3, 2007. Vikings will "Take the Town" during the annual three-day Swedish Festival held August 10-12th in Mount Jewett, a small village located along scenic Route 6 in northwestern Pennsylvania.

The Leif Ericson Viking Ship "Norseman", a working 40 foot model, populated with crewman outfitted as Vikings, will be a shore at the corner of Main Street throughout the festival. Constructed at one-half the size of the Gokstad Viking Ship, this model showcases the skill of the sailors who for nearly three centuries sailed the rough oceans in their sleek, streamlined ships, traveling far from their native Scandinavia to distant lands.

A Scandinavian Folk Band with Swedish Dancers in authentic dress will kick of the festival on Friday, August 10 at 4 PM in front of the St. Matthews Lutheran Church.

On Saturday, a Swedish Smorgasbord, prepared by local residents, featuring such favorites as Swedish Meatballs, rye bread and Swedish Korv-a delicious spiced sausage, will be served from noon to 3 PM.

Viking Ship Races, a Swedish version of the old fashioned bed races, will take place on Main Street at 12:45 PM on Sunday, August 12th. Every ship entered in the race is an original creation of their builders and is manned by a crew of five men all over the age of 18. The ships, each flying a Swedish Flag, compete in a timed race and in the category of originality for cash prizes.

A Maypole Dance exhibition will be held at 12:30 PM, with Swedish language lessons offered from 1-3 PM on Saturday. Musical entertainment is provided each evening, along with a series of scheduled show performances geared to a wide variety of audiences. On Saturday, the Toe Heel Country Line Dancers will appear from 2-3 PM; followed by the Brother Dietze and the Dixie Boys, a seven piece Dixie Band that will perform from 3-5 PM. Saturday night's celebration will end with fireworks at 10 PM, with a rain date of Sunday, August 12.

Comedian Paul Lyons will perform from 8-9 PM Saturday evening, and between 3-4 PM on Sunday. Ray Owen, an award winning entertainer who has opened for many famous country singers, will perform on Sunday from 1:30- 2:30 PM at the Heritage Park Gazebo and then from 4-5 PM at the Center Street Stage. For children, amusement rides are provided by Bobby K. Entertainment throughout the three day event. Other scheduled activities include a local arts and crafts show and a car & bike show.

Mount Nebo Chapel, one of the oldest surviving Swedish Evangelical Lutheran churches in the nation, will be open for tours from 11-3 PM on Saturday. Built of lumber from local mills, this octagonal church is patterned after the beloved Ersta Church in Stockholm, Sweden.

The Mount Jewett Heritage Mural, designed by world-famous muralist Kong Ho, is a central feature of the community. This 3,500 square foot work of engaging public art portrays the area's abundant natural resources, and its rich industrial heritage.

The residents of Mount Jewett wish all visitors Valkommen- "Welcome" to their community which for over 35 years has hosted an annual celebration to honor their Swedish heritage. This year's festival hours are Friday 6 -9 PM, Saturday 12-9:30 PM, and Sunday 12- 4 PM, August 10th, 11th and 12th.

Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania is located 100 miles south of Buffalo, New York and 120 miles east of Erie, Pennsylvania. For additional information please call 814-778-5701 or www.visitANF.com.