Bradford Era – by Christine Holtz

The 50th annual Swedish Festival is officially back after a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The event, which entails both old and new attractions, kicks off Friday with opening ceremonies and runs until Sunday.

A lot of hard work went into providing new events this year, including a Strongest Swede contest, axe throwing, a bigger and better parade and a breakfast at the Mount Jewett Veterans Memorial Club on Saturday morning, sponsored by the Smethport Trap Team.

This year, the Swedish smorgasbord on Saturday has been expanded to include American fare. Additionally, the Leif Erikson Viking Ship Norsemen are making a return to share facts and information about their one-quarter scale viking ship.

A car show, in memory of Patrick Mofett, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and car and bike enthusiast, will also be held on Saturday, sponsored by Leslie Moffett and A. Jason Clemons Salon in Olean, N.Y.

Sunday’s schedule has been expanded to include an Art Show, the Kinzua Bridge Challenge, the Bike and Pet Parade, Viking Ship Races, a Jeep Cruise In and Human Foosball.

SCHEDULE

Friday

6 p.m. — Opening ceremonies and Crowning of the Swedish Festival Royalty, Center Street

6 p.m. — Vendors open

6-10 p.m. — Amusement rides by American Amusements, Center Street

6-9 p.m. — Caricature Artist Eric Jones, Center Street

6-9 p.m. — Leif Erikson Viking Ship Norsemen, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church lawn

6-9:30 p.m. — Axe throwing with Forest Carlson, Lower Center Street

7 p.m. — Coloring contest winners announced, Center Street Stage

7:30-8 p.m. — Prince and Princess contest, Center Street Stage

8-9 p.m. — Minute to Win It, Center Street Stage Area

9:30-11:30 p.m. — Freddy and the Jets Band, Center Street Stage

Saturday

8-11 a.m. — Breakfast at the Mount Jewett Veterans Memorial Club, Sponsored by the Smethport Trap Team

9 a.m. — Children’s Bike Race, Former Keystone Building (Sponsored by the Mount Jewett Ambulance Association)

9 a.m.-5 p.m. — Axe Throwing with Forest Carlson, Lower Center Street

10 a.m.-noon — Car Show registration

10:30-11 a.m. — Alberta’s Pie Contest Entry, Center Street Boy Scout Booth

11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Swedish Meatball Contest, Heritage Park Gazebo

11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Nebo Chapel Open House

11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Children’s Crafts, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church Lawn

11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Swedish/American Smorgasbord, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church

11 a.m.-3 p.m. — Caricature Artist Eric Jones, Center Street

Noon-4 p.m. — Leif Erikson Viking Ship Norsemen, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church Lawn

Noon-4 p.m. — Car Show, Fire Department Parking Lot

Noon-5 p.m. — Amusement Rides, Center Street

Noon-sold out — Chicken BBQ, Mount Jewett Firehall

Noon — 2 p.m. — Children’s Cornhole game, Library Backyard (Sponsored by the Library)

12:30 p.m. — Maypole Dance, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church

1-2:30 p.m. — Crossroads Band, Center Street Stage

1-3 p.m. — Cornhole Tournament, Mount Jewett Firehall

1-3 p.m. — Strongest Swede Contest, Library Backyard

3-4:30 p.m. — Bob Hartle Band, Center Street Stage

4-5 p.m. — Kyler Alexis, Guitarist, Heritage Gazebo

5 p.m.-Parade

6-6:30 p.m. — Junior King and Queen Contest, Center Street Stage

6-8 p.m. — Axe Throwing with Forest Carlson, Lower Center Street

6-9 p.m. — Leif Erikson Viking Ship Norsemen, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church Lawn

6-10 p.m. — Amusement Rides

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Alberta’s Pie Auction and Winners announced, Center Street

9:30 p.m. — Fireworks

9:30-11 p.m. — Hard Luck Rangers, Center Street Stage

Sunday

8 a.m. — Check in for Kinzua Bridge Challenge-Kinzua Bridge 10K-5K-2mile walk-1 mile fun run

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Art Show at the MJ2KB Trailhead (items will be auctioned at 2 p.m.)

Noon — Announcement of the Pet Contest Winners, Memorial Gazebo

Noon-4 p.m. — Axe Throwing with Forest Carlson, Lower Center Street

Noon-5 p.m. — Amusement rides

Noon-6 p.m. — Leif Erikson Viking Ship Norsemen, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church Lawn

12:30-2 p.m. — Kimber and Silver Fox, Center Street Stage

12:30 p.m. — Bike and Pet Parade, Main Street (starts at Memorial Gazebo)

1 p.m. — Viking Ship Races, Main Street

2 p.m. — Jeep Cruise In, Meet at Mount Jewett Firehall parking lot

2 p.m. — Human Foosball, Lot beside Post Office

4 p.m. — Softball game (Oldtimers vs. Youngsters), Community Park

4-5 p.m. — Family Feud, Center Street

5-6 p.m. — J.I.M. Band, Center Street

6 p.m. — Closing Ceremonies (various winners announced and crowing of Swedish Festival Teen Queen)