The Town of Thorsby’s dot on the map seems to get a little bigger each year as the annual Swedish Fest continues to gain exposure.

Swedish Fest Board chairperson Tracia Bussey said she expects quite a few Swedish guests at this year’s event, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17 at Richard Wood Memorial Park.

“It’s shaping up to be another big year,” Bussey said. “We have upwards of 50 booth registrations with a few new food vendors and arts and crafts.”

Per-Erik Person, a business advisor and member of the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, plans to attend this year, among several others.

The fun begins with the parade at 9 a.m.

The parade will line up about 30 minutes early in front of the old sewing factory and make its way through town. There will be cash prizes for the top three floats.

Opening ceremonies will follow in the park as entrants in the annual Swedish Fest Car Show make their way to the front of Thorsby High School. Meanwhile, guests may visit the historical museum in Helen Jenkins Chapel.

The highlighted entertainment will be classic rock band Cuttin’ Loose from the Birmingham area, performing from 12:30 until 2 p.m. Several local acts are also scheduled to perform.

Bussey said the Fest is one of the town’s biggest fundraisers, helping fund recent projects such as park lighting and a new town welcome sign.

“Every penny that we raise goes back into the town after we pay the expenses for the festival,” she said. “We are hoping to get more exposure in Sweden on the festival.”

Swedish Fest T-shirts may be purchased at town hall for $10 apiece, and commemorative booklets are sold for a small price.

For more information, contact Bussey at 217-0978.

To rent a space for a booth, call Laura Liveoak at 646-8501. To enter the car show, call Dearl Hilyer at 646-2809. To enter the parade, call Neil Benson at 646-2936.