The Thorsby Swedish Fest is Oct. 18, and this year’s Fest will be chock full of things to do.

The parade will line up near the old sewing factory at 8:30 and begin marching at 9 a.m., followed by opening ceremonies in Richard Wood Park at 10.

A firefighter’s competition will immediately follow the parade beside the park. The competition is open to all fire departments that want to participate.

Booths will keep Fest-goers busy for a large part of the day, in addition to a variety of musical entertainment at the park pavilion.

“We are expecting a large number of booths, and they’ll offer a variety of items shoppers can purchase as well as games for kids, including a moonwalk, train ride and pony ride,” coordinator Tracia Bussey said.

For the first time in several years, a car show will be held in the park. And for the history buffs, the museum in Helen Jenkins Chapel will open for the duration of the event (the festival will end at 2 p.m.).

And, yes, food vendors will have concessions on sale during the course of the Fest.

Other, non-edible items on sale will include Swedish Fest T-shirts, which are available now at Town Hall for $10 apiece, and historical booklets that include a self-guided tour of Scandinavian history in the Town of Thorsby for $2 apiece.

All proceeds will go toward park improvements, the restoration of the old elementary school, and other town projects.

“For the past eight years, the community has been successful in raising over $20,000 plus matching funds that have benefited the park and the town,” Bussey said. “Money spent at the Swedish Fest helps the town, and helps make the Swedish Fest even better.”

Booth spaces are still available by calling Laura Liveoak at 646-8501.

– Scott Mims can be reached at scott.mims@clantonadvertiser.com