ASHVILLE – Since 2004, the Viking Festival has been transforming Ashville Community Park into a living history event on the last weekend of April. The festival, presented by Asheville’s own Lost Vikings Hoard, will be open to the public on April 26 & 27 this year.
Admission to the festival is free, but organizers ask guests to bring non-perishable food items as a donation to the Ashville Food Pantry. The group also welcomes monetary donations to help cover the costs of the event.
At the event, you will find a Saxon market filled with homemade creations from jewelry to chainmail outfits. Throughout the weekend, entertainment is planned, including belly dancers to armoured jousting. What kind of Viking festival wouldn’t be complete without food? The Grove of Heroes will take you back in time to historical encampments to show people how people lived in those times, youth activities will also be available.
“Even though most of us are not from the area, we are still willing to give back to a community that gives to us. It was a decision we made early on in the festival’s past, we are probably not going to change it.”
The idea to support the food pantry was the brainchild of Ed Vallette, the festival’s founder, who unexpectedly passed away on May 12, 2014.
“The festival is set to feature all of its traditional offerings, including food, vendors, entertainment, historical reenactments, and jousting,” Viking Festival said, “This year we are adding a third food venue and several new acts. An old favorite Bob Ford is returning after a few years of hiatus. We have a storyteller and a couple new to us singing groups. Some new vendors and some returning favorites. Come for the fun, food and maybe learn something along the way. We have something for all ages.”
The festival traditionally welcomes 10,000 to 15,000 people into the village park during its two-day run each year. Any questions about attending or being part of the event can be contacted here: [email protected] or go to the website here: https://ashvilleohvikingfestival.com/
