EDITORS’ PICKS
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BY KERRI REGAN AND RONDA ALVEY | PHOTOS: AMBER SMITH
KINGSBURG, CALIFORNIA FAST FACTS:
• What’s now known as Kingsburg was established as a railroad town in 1873, when Swedish natives settled in a town called Kings River Switch – in the early 20th century, more than 90 percent of residents were Swedish American. Today, it is home to some 11,382 people. • Looking for the world’s largest box of raisins? You’ll find it here. • Some of the more notable folks who have called Kingsburg home include gold medal Olympic decathlete Rafer Johnson, Western film actor Slim Pickens and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Tyler Bray.
Swedish pancakes, anyone?
Valkommen! Californian, American and Swedish flags still fly over the City Hall in Kingsburg, a hamlet that celebrates its Swedish heritage everywhere you go. A windmill near the highway beckons you into town, and colorful murals feature all things Sweden. Commercial buildings are required to display some sort of Swedish connection, and you’ll hear Swedish folk music in many shops.
Outdoor art
Check out the Stockholm Café and Bakery. Another one of our faves: the Bella Rose Bakery and Café, where you can sip your latte under an umbrella and watch the world go by.
This town was once nominated for the national “Prettiest Painted Places in America” award, largely thanks to the handpainted murals that adorn the downtown area. One mural features a map of Sweden and the names of Swedes who came to Kingsburg. Another features Olympic decathlon champion Rafer Johnson. Find an interactive map at www.map.creativefresno.com.
Let’s get together Not surprisingly, this town’s main event is the Kingsburg Swedish Festival, held the third weekend in May. A Swedish smorgasbord kicks off the events, which also include a pea soup and pancake festival, crowning of the Swedish queen, decorating of the maypole and more. Food, craft booths and entertainment fill the Swedish Cultural Village downtown. Other festivals in Kingsburg include Julgransfest (the lighting of the Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving) and the Santa Lucia Festival, the first Saturday of December. FEBRUARY MARCH 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com
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