In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.

For many, this poetic line gives the impression Christopher Columbus was the first European to arrive in the New World. However, archaeological and literary evidence indicates the Vikings were on North American soil 500 years before Columbus. 

To give those Nordic men and women that rightful honor, the Environmental and Heritage Center will celebrate those explorers from the North Sea during the inaugural Leif Erikson Day Festival.

The event will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10, at 2020 Clean Water Drive in Buford.

The celebration will also conduct an investigation into the customs and legacy of the Vikings of Scandinavia as well as the Scottish Highlanders, who were among Georgia’s earliest settlers.

“Visitors to this new and exciting festival will immerse themselves in cool competitions and creative crafts to gain a glimpse into the lives of these ancient and vibrant cultures,” EHC Director of Programming Jason West said. “Activities are designed to engage the whole family.”

Participants may test their brawn and bravery in a mock Viking shield wall battle as well as demonstrate their skills in traditional and family-friendly Highland events such as the caber toss, sheaf toss and hammer throw. Guests will enjoy Scandinavian games such as King’s Table and Kubb, as well as explore the footsteps of legendary Viking Leif Erikson with a life-sized board game. They will also learn to write in Old Norse runes and decorate their own rune stone.

Other activities include a competition to build and race your own small Viking ship, a challenge to slay a dragon and the opportunity to build a Scandinavian stave structure.

The festival will take place at the EHC’s Festival Field, next to its main campus in Buford.

Program fees are $8 per person. EHC members and children age 2 and younger are free. Guests are encouraged to preregister at www.gwinnettEHC.org or pay at the gate on the day of the event.

For more information, visit gwinnettehc.org.