EPHRAIM — What began as a small community fundraiser half a century ago to restore pioneer buildings has grown into a major cultural event that draws nearly 20,000 visitors annually. The 50th annual Scandinavian Heritage Festival will take place May 23–24 on the Snow College campus and throughout Sanpete Valley.
The milestone celebration will feature expanded living-history attractions, performances from Utah-based musicians, and a headline show by ABBA FAB, a tribute group performing ABBA hits from the 1970s and ’80s.
Festival Director organizers say the addition of two new reenactment villages—the Pioneer Village and Viking Village—joins the longstanding Old Scandinavian Village in bringing cultural history to life. Families can sample Scandinavian food like lefse and Swedish meatballs, shop handmade goods, and hear folktales passed down through generations. The Viking Village returns with blacksmiths, Norse games, and live combat demonstrations.
“While the event celebrates Scandinavian roots, it’s really a gathering for anyone who values heritage, community, and great entertainment,” organizers said in a release.
Musical offerings this year include genres ranging from Celtic and bluegrass to swing and rock opera. In addition to ABBA FAB, standout acts include Salt Lake City’s Fox Brother’s Band and “Valhalla,” a Viking-themed musical by Stephen Gashler. The festival also features a wide slate of regional talent from throughout Utah.
Entertainment isn’t limited to the stage. The two-day celebration includes storytelling, maypole dancing, arts and crafts, sporting events, and competitions like a Viking beard contest and wife-carrying race. A Pixar movie screening of Brave is planned for Friday night in Pioneer Park. Saturday morning’s festivities begin with a Lions Club aebleskiver breakfast followed by the grand parade at 10 a.m.
Anyone with Scandinavian heritage is invited to attend. For more information, visit scandinavianfestival.org.