Svensk Hyllningsfest 2009. The first Svensk Hyllningsfest was held in October 1941, to honor the Swedish pioneers who settled in the Smoky Valley in 1868-1869. Lindsborg’s Svensk Hyllningsfest is a biennial tribute to the Swedish pioneers occurring in October of odd numbered years. The festival features art, Crafts, special foods, ethnic music, folk dancing, parade, Smorgasbord, and special entertainment. The festival coincides with the Bethany College homecoming. Many of Lindsborg’s residents don traditional Swedish folk costumes for the event. Swedish folk dance groups and musicians add to the Swedish flavor of the festival. At festival time the Lindsborg community enjoys a ’’togetherness’’ as everyone participates in some aspect of the celebration.