The Svensk Hyllningsfest Smörgåsbord

One of the best-loved events at each Hyllningsfest is the Swedish Smörgåsbord. The reason is simple – the food. Savor the Smörgåsbord, a Scandinavian feast. Admittance to the Smörgåsbord is by ticket only, which to the chagrin of many, are sold out within a couple of months from the time they go on sale. Tickets will be available through the link on this website.

Most of the food is prepared from recipes handed down from the early Swedish settlers of the Smoky Valley area. Some of the food is purchased from vendors of Swedish imports while other food is prepared and donated by people of the community. Various organizations in the community will volunteer to furnish the special Swedish foods that cannot be purchased through outside vendors. The focus of the committee responsible for planning, preparing, and serving this event is to offer an authentic Swedish Smörgåsbord that closely resembles those of yesteryear.

To give some idea of the quantities of food required, the following are some examples: 6,500 meatballs, 325 pounds of potato sausage, 60 dozen deviled eggs, 3,000 cookies of various kinds, 60 pounds of pickled herring, 70 loaves of Swedish rye bread, 45 tea rings, 200 pounds of ostkaka, 30 large smoked salmon, and 30 pounds of coffee. The list could go on, but suffice it to say large quantities of the more than 35 items on the menu are required.

To prepare and serve this Smörgåsbord, approximately 125 people are involved. These are all volunteers who work in the kitchen either cooking the food or assembling the beautiful presentation for the serving table or waiting on the tables in the beautifully decorated dining area. All except the kitchen personnel are attired in Swedish costumes, which adds to the festive beauty of the occasion. For a touch of Swedish delight, the Smörgåsbord is a memorable dining experience.

Tickets & Availability

Smörgåsbord tickets sell out quickly, often within months of going on sale. Tickets are required for entry and will be available for purchase April through the link on this website.

A Taste of Sweden

The Smörgåsbord is all about variety, with more than 35 different dishes carefully prepared and served in an elegant, festive setting. Volunteers from the community—many dressed in traditional Swedish attire—help prepare and present the meal, making it a truly special experience.

Some highlights from the menu include:

Main Dishes & Sides – Swedish Meatballs, Potato Sausage, Parsley Potatoes, Brown Beans, Creamed Peas
Salads – Coleslaw, Cucumbers & Onions, Potato Salad, Cottage Cheese
Other Favorites – Deviled Eggs, Smoked Salmon, Meat & Cheese Trays, Swedish Rye Bread, Hardtack
Desserts – Spritz Cookies, Ginger Snaps, Swedish Tea Rings, Ostkaka with Lingonberries
Drinks – King Oscar Coffee, Tea, Water

To give you an idea of scale, this feast requires 6,500 meatballs, 325 pounds of potato sausage, 3,000 cookies, and much more.

When & Where

Location: J.O. Sundstrom Building, Downtown Lindsborg
Dates: Friday, October 17 & Saturday, October 18
Seating Times: 5:00 PM & 7:00 PM each night

What to Expect

Upon arrival, guests will enter the J.O. Sundstrom Lobby at their designated arrival time (noted on their ticket) in 10-minute intervals to ensure a smooth check-in process. The dinner service time follows shortly after, when guests will make their way through the buffet. Entry into the dining area is staggered to ensure a smooth process for all our guests.

Picking Up Your Tickets

Stop by the Festival Information Booth inside the J.O. Sundstrom Building (102 N Main St.) on October 17 & 18 to pick up your pre-purchased tickets. Your ticket will list both your Arrival Time (when you enter the lobby) and Dinner Served Time (when you go through the buffet).

Seating times are first come, first served when you pick up your ticket, so arrive early for your preferred time. This system helps ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience for all 200 guests at each seating. Please follow the times on your ticket for the best experience. Festival staff at the Information Booth will explain the process when you pick up your tickets.

Don’t miss out on this unique Swedish dining experience—it’s a highlight of the festival and a meal you won’t forget