(Lawrenceville, Ga., Sept. 24, 2018) – The Viking invasion is coming to Gwinnett. Leif Erikson Day will be observed on Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ozora Meadow at Tribble Mill Park in Lawrenceville. Attendees will learn to separate fact from fiction when it comes to the intrepid Viking explorers and their kilted neighbors in Scotland. This living history event will explore the customs and legacy of the Vikings of Scandinavia as well as the Scottish Highlanders, who were among Georgia’s earliest settlers.  

Staff will be dressed in Viking garb and weapons. Nathan Griswell, program supervisor for Parks and Recreation said “archaeology, literature, and living history are constantly peeling back new layers on these fascinating cultures.” Visitors will get a glimpse into the lives of the Viking people through competitions and creative crafts to engage the whole family.

Attendees can test their brawn and bravery in a mock Viking shield wall battle, and demonstrate their skills in traditional and family-friendly Highland events like the caber toss, sheaf toss and hammer throw. There will be Scandinavian games such as King’s Table and Kubb and a life-sized board game will trace the footsteps of legendary Viking Leif Erickson across the North Atlantic. Attendees can also write in Old Norse runes, decorate a rune stone, build and race a small Viking ship, practice archery, apply war paint and more.

Medieval costumes and kilts welcome. Tribble Mill Park is located at 2125 Tribble Mill Parkway in Lawrenceville. The event is free but guests are encouraged to pre-register online at www.gwinnettparks.com with registration code TMP48105.