Kingsburg Says "Hej"

Written by Bakersfield Magazine

No, that’s not a typo—it’s a greeting you’re likely to hear during a visit to the quaint city of Kingsburg, California. You might be wondering why that greeting is so prevalent. Well, the answer is simple.

Sometimes known as “Little Sweden,” Kingsburg’s early settlers were of Swedish descent and “hej” is how you say “hello” in Sweden.

In fact, the influence of major Swedish immigration to the area is evidenced by the fact that a 1921 census showed that within a three-mile radius of Kingsburg, 94 percent of the population was Swedish.

Today, the city is tucked cozily away from big-city lights, and is just an hour and a half’s drive north from Bakersfield. Kingsburg provides old-world atmosphere, with just a touch of Swedish culture.

Even if you’re not looking for a Central Valley Scandinavian hotspot, Kingsburg offers a multitude of options for the day-trip adventurer. And don’t worry about the traffic. As of 2008, the population consisted of a mere 11,259 citizens. That makes for a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle.

While the city offers its share of shopping, dining, and small-town charm any day of the week, Kingsburg plays host to many festivals throughout the year. If you’re ready to start planning some trips for the spring, try to work your visit around these great local events.

The Car Show

Roadsters, antique cars, street rods, muscle cars, T-Birds, Mopars, and more can be found at Kingsburg’s Annual Car Show, taking place this year the weekend of April 17. You’re guaranteed a good time since the city boasts that it is one of the largest “Pre-72 Car Shows in the Central Valley.” It’s not all cars, though. Great food, exciting entertainment, a carnival, and tons of shopping is available to the tourists cruising through. Additionally, street vendors sell items specializing in custom auto parts for entrants and guests alike. The event kicks off Friday, April 16, in downtown Kingsburg. Of course, this car show is free for the whole family to enjoy.

Summer Band Concerts Under the Stars

No summer is complete without a concert in the park. When the mercury rises, the days are longer, and the fruit trees are nearing harvest, you know the music is brewing in Kingsburg. But don’t think you’ll be forced to listen to just any band. Oh, no. The Kingsburg City Band has emerged to become the longest running non-professional community band west of the Mississippi.

This concert series is held for a six-week period every Thursday night in Kingsburg’s Memorial Park. Each night starts with a food court and shopping area from 5-8 p.m., followed by the concert from 8-9:30 p.m. The first concert this year is scheduled for June 24.

The Crayfish and Jazz Festival

Cracking on to the scene on September 18 is a local and visitor favorite. This year celebrates the 20th annual Kingsburg Crayfish and Jazz Festival. It’s all part of the heritage and culture of this Scandinavian-inspired city. In Sweden, crayfish are the guest of honor at special parties between neighbors. “Kingsburgers” have adapted it to feature outstanding jazz music as well as the versatile and scrumptious crustaceans. Visitors will find something special at the event which includes multiple stages situated throughout the quaint downtown area where jazz music of all types will be performed. Among the features will be a special block-long children’s area with games and fun rides. This event is free to the public, but don’t forget to bring your tastebuds. A cooking stage will have regional chefs demonstrating some classy techniques for preparing crayfish in delectable culinary displays. Live-boil crayfish and crayfish prepared in a variety of ways will be available to diners and all shops and restaurants will have their doors open wide to greet guests.

For you Swedes looking to connect with your heritage, there are a number of exciting, traditional Swedish events to attend. Those of you non-Swedes looking to experience a little Scandinavian culture, the short drive to Kingsburg is much cheaper than a plane ticket to good ol’ Sverige.

Julgransfest

Kingsburg opens its Christmas Village (Swedish style) downtown with lovely lights and festive trappings for the trek down Draper Street singing carols and lighting the community Christmas tree. You won’t want to miss this Christmas season kick-off. It starts at dusk on the Friday after Thanksgiving Day.

Santa Lucia Celebration & Festival of Lights Parade

Santa Lucia Day in Sweden opens the Christmas season with the oldest daughter of the household adorning herself in a long white gown, red sash, and a glowing crown of candles. She awakens her family members by singing the Lucia song and serving saffron buns and coffee at their bedsides. The Swedish Village of Kingsburg has adopted this very special tradition. Kingsburg celebrates Santa Lucia Day on the first Saturday in December. The sidewalks of Draper Street will be filled with arts and crafts along with specialty home-baked goods, gourmet items, and Swedish entrées. That’s not all! There’s even a gingerbread house competition at the Kingsburg Library and the entire evening concludes with the Festival of Lights Parade.

Swedish Festival

There’s no better place to experience the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of authentic Sweden than by visiting Kingsburg during their annual Swedish Festival. You’ll receive a hearty “Valkommen!” This year, during the weekend of May 13 through May 15, “Little Sweden” welcomes everyone! Kick off the weekend early on Thursday night with a Swedish Pea Soup and Pancake Dinner downtown.

Come Friday morning, you’ll be riding the Dala horse train to fun. A Swedish smörgåsbord greets you Friday night with traditional Swedish delights from every province. Strolling musicians entertain you as you dine. The cost is only $10 per person and the sampling begins at 5:30 p.m. Also that night, be present for the crowning of the Swedish Festival Queen! The lucky young lady will serve as Queen throughout the year.

You’ll want to rise and shine early Saturday morning (6 a.m.) to enjoy the Dala Horse Trot, hosted by the Kingsburg Women’s Club. Entrants to the Trot can walk or run the 10K. The Dala horse has come to symbolize the country of Sweden and is traditionally carved out of wood. With its origins in the province of Dalarna, the Dala horse is used primarily as a children’s toy.

A Svenska (Swedish) Pancake Breakfast follows the Trot. But hold the maple syrup...you’ll want to cover those pancakes with lingonberries, as is tradition in Sweden.

After breakfast, witness the decoration of the Maypole, strung with birch branches and flowers. The pole is carried last during the Swedish Festival parade which takes place at 10:30 a.m., with bands, floats, horses, antique vehicles, and many local entries to thrill the senses.

Following the parade, enjoy arts and crafts from vendors lining Draper Street. Scandinavian crafts and foods are available as well as other unique local jewelry, ceramics, and works of art.

From 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., you’ll be able to catch authentic Swedish and Scandinavian dancing with live music (including traditional instruments). Come 6 p.m., you’ll be able to see the Viking Ship Bed Races. Four people push a bed on wheels, dressed as Vikings to boot, with a fifth person dressed in Swedish costume sitting atop the bed.

Finally, spend your evening dancing to Swedish music (Gammaldans) before turning in for the night.

How Swede It Is...

No matter your heritage, Kingsburg offers a cozy getaway for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a nice weekend away from the big city, or just a day trip out of the ordinary, this quaint Swedish burg is ready to valkommen you.

Article appeared in our 26-6 Issue - February 2010