About Hyllningsfest
Occurring in October of odd numbered years, the residents of Lindsborg host a community-wide festival and don traditional Swedish folk costumes to celebrate the Swedish pioneers who settled the Smoky Valley in 1868 – 1869. The festival features art and crafts, special foods, ethnic music, and other special entertainment while Swedish folk dancers and musicians add to the flavor of the festival.
Newcomers have as much fun “becoming Swedish” as do the long time residents. This community closeness may be the highest tribute we can pay to the immigrants who also exemplified this kind of unity – a fitting legacy for future residents of the Smoky Valley.
Folk dancing and folk music lend a unique character and spirit to Svensk Hyllningsfest. The Dancers – from eager young grade school students who have been practicing for months, to the Lindsborg Swedish Folk Dancers (high school age students) and the Lindsborg Folkdanslag (their adult counterparts) – are charming and enthusiastic performers. The festival also features live demonstrations of cooking, arts, crafts, and folk costumes among others. The parade, featuring area marching bands, floats, antique cars, and other parade entries, is a key attraction.
The Svensk Hyllningsfest Committee is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization pledged to continue to preserve and provide educational opportunities associated with the Swedish-American heritage within the Smoky Valley of Central Kansas.
The next Svensk Hyllningsfest will be held in Lindsborg, Kansas on October 17th & 18th, 2025. Please join us for a true Swedish experience in the heart of America!
Festival Co-Chair's Welcome
Välkommen! We are so excited to welcome you to the Best Square Mile on Earth on October 17th and 18th, 2025!
Our community loves to host new visitors to experience and celebrate our Swedish heritage. Whether it is by tasting potato sausage at the Smorgasbord or taking a photo with the giant Dala horse, we are delighted to share the opportunity with visitors from around the globe.
Svensk Hyllningsfest (Swedish Honoring Festival) is celebrating our 84th year of existence and continues to thrive as residents don Swedish costumes, perform Swedish folk dances, and honor those ancestors who settled in this area long ago.
This unique festival is not only fun for visitors to get a taste of Sweden in the middle of Kansas, but allows for the community of Lindsborg to flourish and show off the charm and character that attracts so many.
As Co–Chairs of this festival, it is not only a privilege to lead such a dedicated group of committed volunteers, but it fills us with a pride knowing that we are now a part of history. Along with so many who have filled these shoes, we are proud to have helped carry this festival forward and to preserve the heritage that defines this community.
We are so pleased that you have joined us for this 2025 Svensk Hyllningsfest and hope you will enjoy all that Little Sweden has to offer.
We hope you come and enjoy all that makes the 67456 the Best Square Mile on Earth!
Ses snart!
Tessa Peters and Avery Dauer
Committee Members
The Svensk Hyllningsfest committee is comprised of many people, from all walks of life, who volunteer their time and talents to preserving the traditions associated with the festival. Our committee is divided into multiple sub-committees in order to plan the various activities during the weekend. Countless hours are spent making sure your experience at Svensk Hyllningsfest is an experience that will honor the traditions of the past, and breathe new life into future festivals – so that you will want to experience it over and over again. Below are the 2025 Committee members. A big thank you to these committee members and all the festival volunteers.
- Tessa Peters, Co-chair
- Avery Dauer, Co-chair
- Denton Rathke, Treasurer
- Roxie Sjogren, Secretary
- Rande Repp, Website
- Emily Howe, Arts and crafts
- Laura Hultquist, Arts and crafts
- Kelsey Beckner, Children’s Area
- Daisy Kerns, Children’s Area
- Susan Nordell, Children’s Area
- Jenell Hulse, Fundraising
- Rachel Breen, Food Court
- Julie Neff, Food court
- Aubrey Hahn, Food Court
- Joshua Swanson, Logistics
- Tracy Repp, Parade
- Joyce Pigge, Farmer’s Market/Programming
- Amanda Luttig, Programming
- Lisa Tinkler, Programming
- Kolby Mazouch, Programming
- Lex Lutt, Programming
- Katie Anderson, Programming
- Liz Strnad, Smorgasbord
- Madi Peterson-Hofer, Smorgasbord
- Vivian Anderson, Smorgasbord
- Karen Stugelmeyer, Smorgasbord
If you have any questions, or would like to participate in Svensk Hyllningsfest, please contact us, and we will be sure to send you all of the information we have available. Or simply e-mail us at cochairs@svenskhyllningsfest.org.
We sincerely hope to see you at this years’ festival!
Contact Us
The Svensk Hyllningsfest Committee is continually interested in attracting reputable artisans, crafts-persons, and entertainers to participate in the festival. If you have any questions or comments, email us at the addresses below. Thank you!
Festival Co-Chairs: cochairs@svenskhyllningsfest.org
General Information: admin@svenskhyllningsfest.org