Looking for the Kingsburg Chamber of Commerce
Go to www.kingsburgchamber.com/


For a number of years this was the official website for the Kingsburg Chamber of Commerce.
Content is from the site's 2007 - 2010 archived pages as well as from other outside sources.
The new owners of this domain wanted to remind local business of the benefits of becoming a member of the Kingsburg Chamber of Commerce and of all the wonderful activities provided to the community via the efforts of so many folks. Enjoy the nostalgic look back.

If you have inadvertently ended up here while searching for information about the Kingsburg Chamber of Commerce, go to their current site at: /www.kingsburgchamber.com/

Kingsburg District Chamber of Commerce
1475 Draper St
Kingsburg,  CA  93631-1908
(559) 897-1111

Welcome to the The Kingsburg District Chamber of Commerce

We are a non-profit voluntary association dedicated to all businesses who want to participate. The Chamber is comprised of local business, residential and community leaders bringing together their efforts to enhance the Community of Kingsburg. Chamber members are able to mutually aid each other in promoting and producing business, and aid the community by providing tax revenues. The Kingsburg District Chamber of Commerce serves as a link between businesses, local government, neighborhoods and the general public. It’s you and I, working together to do more than one of us could do alone. 

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Update: 2020
The Covid 19 pandemic that has swept across the US and is surging again in California, has hit the City of Kingsburg. They were quick to react at the start of the pandemic by closing all non-essential facilities to the public on March 16, 2020. This decision was based upon recommendations from the CDC regarding social distancing relative to COVID-19. Nine months later as 2020 winds down, City Council meetings are currently being held via teleconference until further notice. The Senior Center has been closed due to the pandemic. This includes all activities and congregate meal program. Thanks to generous donations from the community, the Senior Center staff has been able to continue to provide a free lunch to our seniors via a new and temporary delivery program. I get these weekly updates from my mother who lives in Kingsburg. The total deaths as of December were 23. My mother is shocked by the number. One can not compare that number to where I live in NYC where we have had over 25,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic. My mother makes masks for friends and family. I have at least four that she has sent. This year has certainly been surreal.

Aside from worrying about contracting Covid, I was also worrying about whether I would ever be able to complete the projects I had put off during the shutdown. I had started a partial renovation and my contractor went out of business before he started. I cut back and tried to do some of the work myself, but even the painting projects were too overwhelming. My neighbor pointed out that reupholstering my sofa and other living room furniture would make a huge difference and not involve a giant mess that renovation would. She recommended a service who had finished reupholstering all her furniture last year and I can see what a difference it made. They offer a reupholstery NYC service in this area and were just what I needed - reliable experts who knew the ropes. It was at first strange to have all the workers wearing masks while doing the removals and delivery, but that was so minor and we were already doing that anyplace indoors. That reupholstery job did wonders for my living room and I'm already planning the next project.

With the vaccines for Covid 19 being rolled out, I am hoping that my mother will be able to get her two shots within three to four months. I probably won't be able to get mine till the summer of 2021. Although there were spikes in Covid cases during the middle of December, probably due to Thanksgiving gatherings, the cases are now dropping in Fresno County. Hopefully there will not be another spike because of holiday gatherings. My mother and I celebrated virtually via google meeting.

Stay safe City of Kingsburg.

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Mission Statement


  • Advance business, educational and agricultural interests of the Community

  • Create a spirit of cooperation between merchants and the Kingsburg Community

  • Promote the heritage of the Community through festivals and other events

 

What Does The Chamber Do?

The Chamber establishes partnership with leaders from all local chambers, economic development organizations and local government to ensure the region’s economic competitiveness.

The Chamber also promotes and represents the area’s economy. It encourages business and professional investment, broadening the tax base and creating employment. Building a strong community is vital to the growth of all businesses, including yours. If your business is thriving and those around you are not, it will affect you, as empty business spaces take time to replace. By coming together and working as a community we can help each other grow.

The policies and programs are determined by our Board of Directors, elected by the membership. Members are encouraged to participate on committees where the

research and planning is done. The Board of Directors employs staff to organize and execute the Chamber’s Program, supplementing the work of the committees

Opportunity To Be Involved

An investment of time spent on a Chamber Committee or task force can reap big benefits for you, your business and your community. We encourage you and your members to join us in our work for positive, balanced growth in Kingsburg.

What Can We Do For You?

We want to know why you are joining the Chamber. Below are many of the of the benefits and services to which you, as a member, would be entitled.

  • Networking / Business Contact           (e.g. Mixers)

  • Advertising / Business or Activity Promotion

  • Professional Development                  (Seminars and Workshops)

  • Business and the Legislature

  • Other

 

Membership Has Its Privileges

Invest in the Chamber today. Your community’s future depends on the decisions we are making today. We encourage you to help us, as well as to take advantage of the Chamber’s many services.

 


About Kingsburg

The history of Kingsburg is unique with its single ethnic origin. In the early 1870s, news of good farming, warm climate and free government land prompted two Swedish natives to settle in a Central Pacific Railroad (now Union Pacific) town called "Kings River Switch". In 1874 the present town site was drawn up and the name was changed to "Kingsbury". Two years later it became "Kingsburgh" and in 1894 took on its present spelling, "Kingsburg". Before widespread irrigation,huge wheat farms were the source of Valley wealth and problems. Transient workers with no ties to any community spent their wages in the saloons of whatever town they found themselves. Overindulgence often resulted in gunshot-punctuated exuberance that often spilled into the streets. Kingsburg was no different. By1886 there were four hotels and several saloons causing consternation to a growing town population. Alarmed community leaders, hoping to incorporate their city, led the fight to clean up the town. The fight was between "drys" who wanted all saloons within the city limits closed, and "wets" who wanted to maintain status quo. On May 11, 1908, "drys" won the day. Kingsburg was incorporated and all but two saloons were closed.

In 1921, ninety-four percent of the population within a three-mile radius of Kingsburg was Swedish-American, giving the community the nickname of "Little Sweden."

 


 

2007 - 2010 Upcoming and Past Events

 

Awards Dinner

Thursday - January 28th, 2010
Place: Young Life Center
Attractions: To honor Kingsburg’s finest.
Citizen, Jr. Citizen, Public Safety Employee and Educator of the Year, along with other business awards to be presented.

Swedish Midsommar
Friday - June 19th, 2009
More information coming soon!

Award Dinner
Thursday - January 29th, 2009
Place: Young Life Center
Attractions: To honor Kingsburg’s finest.
Citizen, Jr. Citizen, Public Safety Employee and Educator of the Year, along with other awards to be presented.

Annual Car Show
April 18th, 2009
Place: Swedish Village
Attractions: Pre-72 Automobiles, Food, Kiddy Area and Entertainment

Roadsters, Antiques, Street Rods, Muscle Cars, T-Birds, Mopars and more can be found at Kingsburg’s Car Show. We promise to be one of the largest Pre-72 Car Shows in the Central Valley. We have great food, entertainment, carnival and shopping. Vendors will be selling items specializing in custom auto parts along with other special vendors. This all starts the Friday before with a Cruise Night in downtown Kingsburg. The Car Show is free for the whole family to enjoy. Bring your family and friends to come and see some great cars from around the valley.

Kingsburg's Swedish Festival
May 15th & 16th, 2009
Place: Swedish Village
Attractions: Parade, Smorgasbord, Swedish Pancake Breakfast, Arts & Crafts Fair, Entertainment, Music, Folk Dancing, Maypole, Sacred Concert, Vesper Service and Viking Bed Races - Entry form can be found here (Evening of May 16th)

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Valkommen! We invite you to a Scandinavian Vacation the third weekend in May. You can experience and taste the rich culture of Sweden here in the San Joaquin Valley. This three day event is filled with entertainment, food and fun. It all begins on Friday night with a Swedish Smorgasbord. Start your Saturday morning with a traditional Svenska Pancake (Swedish Pancake) Breakfast. Our Swedish Village is filled with specialty shops, there you can also see more of the Swedish Culture in the Swedish Culture Village on Draper and discover many food and craft booths and entertainment.

 

Annual Kingsburg Swedish Festival

by James Garcia Jr. / http://kingsriverlife.com/

Ever wonder how the Kingsburg Swedish Festival got its start? As stated in the official Chamber of Commerce pamphlet from this year’s Festival, in 1924, a group of women from the Concordia Lutheran Church presented a mid-summer festival for residents of the Concordia Home, a retirement home located near the present Kingsburg Hospital.



Past Festival

A year later the celebration was moved to the church where it continued until 1941. The Kiwanis Club sponsored the event, holding it at Kingsburg High School. The celebration was skipped in 1945 due to war-time restrictions.

The Kingsburg Chamber of Commerce has sponsored the event since 1996. This May 19 will begin the 86th year and the 46th annual celebration of the Kingsburg Swedish Festival.

“The Swedish Festival is a throwback to some special times,” said Jess Chambers, Executive Director of the Kingsburg Chamber of Commerce. “It increases the awareness of the heritage of the founding fathers of Kingsburg. From the commerce side, it provides some needed business traffic for the retail and food service. It’s a one-of-a-kind celebration in a one-of-a-kind community.”

“It is a pleasure to be able to take time away from the usual life concerns and stop to just enjoy the gathering and festivities of a relaxed low key heritage celebration,” said Kingsburg Mayor, Bruce Blayney, when asked what the event meant to him as mayor. “My background is not Swedish, but it is great to be a ‘traditional Swede’ for a day or two.”

The festival begins Friday, May 20th; however, pre-festival activities will kick off Thursday, with the season opening Kingsburg Farmer’s Market at 5 p.m. as well as a Swedish Pea Soup and Pancake Dinner between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., all taking place on downtown Draper Street.

On Friday the event begins in earnest with many fun and interesting activities to both see and partake in. Between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.m at The Village Mall, one can take in the juried Art Show at the Kingsburg Art Center. Arts and Crafts booths will begin opening after 5:00 p.m. The traditional Swedish Smorgasbord will begin serving at 5:30 p.m. and continue until 7:30 p.m. at Coffee Pot Park. In the park, Swedish Entertainment will accompany the meal and continue until 9:00 p.m. At 6:00 p.m., the new Swedish Festival Queen will be crowned.



Past Festival

The Police Department will hold their annual Dress Review at 6:30 p.m. in front of the Police Station. “The Swedish Festival inspection for the Kingsburg Police Department has been a tradition for well over 25 years,” said Kingsburg Chief of Police, Jeff Dunn. “It is the one time of the year that we take [the opportunity] to recognize those men and women who serve the community 24/7 as first responders to all emergencies. Many of our staff are volunteers in every sense of the word as they do not receive any type of pay or other compensation.”

The 2011 Police Department photo will be taken, a new Sergeant will be recognized, and awards will be presented. “This year we will be presenting awards ranging from academy graduation recognition to honoring 10 years of service,” continued Dunn.

Many of the shops will be open beyond their regular hours downtown. Late registration for the Saturday morning annual Dala Horse Trot continues from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the Kingsburg Chamber of Commerce Office.

Saturday, the Kingsburg Rotary Club will hold the 30th Annual Dala Horse Trot downtown. It is a 2-mile run or walk which will begin at 7:00 a.m. A Swedish Pancake Breakfast will be served between 7: 00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. in the Coffee Pot Park for $6.00 per person. The Lions Club will be serving this famous recipe along with sausage, locally grown peaches, milk, coffee and juice while strolling folk musicians entertain. Also, the decoration of the Maypole will take place between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. Decorated with birch branches, it will eventually make its way via the parade to Draper Street where it will be raised. Traditional Swedish music and dancing will take place.

Perhaps the highlight of the Swedish Festival is the Grand Parade. Draper Street will be filled with High School Bands and Drill Teams, equestrian units, floats, antique vehicles and dignitaries, to name just a few. It will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Food booths will be available after the parade for the day and will be located next to Coffee Pot Park. Beside the Kingsburg Branch of the Fresno County Library, the Friends of the Library will hold their used book sale. Scandinavian foods and crafts as well as demonstrations of Scandinavian heritage will be present all day.

During the entire festival, a varied selection of arts and crafts will be lining Draper Street, in the area known as the Swedish Village, as vendors and local businesses present some of their merchandise. “I love to be on the street with the other vendors,” said Pamela Ekizian, owner of Pamela’s Boutique & Gifts. “My store is open all weekend, plus I always have a booth selling my jewelry, purses and hats. The festival is special because of the sense of community it brings, and seeing new people come to enjoy our little town. Personally, I love to see family and friends gather on the street to be close to the excitement of the parade and to let people know about the store, first hand.”

There may even be a vampire sighting or two as yours truly will be on hand, signing copies of my book, Dance on Fire. It is the PG-13 fictional account of vampires loosed upon Kingsburg just before the Swedish Festival, wreaking havoc and threatening the event. (Check out KRL’s interview with James & a review of his book)

After the parade and throughout the day, authentic Swedish and Scandinavian Dancing will take place, accompanied by live music played on traditional instruments. In the evening, and open to everyone, dancing to Swedish music will continue in Coffee Pot Park between 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Opening after the parade and until 3:00 p.m., the Kingsburg Historical Park is offering a trip back in time. You can relive the days of covered wagons and view antique farm equipment, along with visiting an old fire station, medical offices, print shop and general store. One can even walk through an authentic homestead which is decorated in 1900’s décor. The admission is free and the park is located behind the high school at 2321 Sierra Street.

Among so many things to see and do, there will also be a Welcome Ceremony and Hambo Dance/Demonstration at 10:00 a.m. on Draper Street; a performance of The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet at 2:00 p.m. by E & e’s Jr. Acting Company; and an All-Star Jazz Band Concert at 5:00 p.m., featuring KHS graduates from the last 50 years. (link to event pages)

“All citizens, both new and old, enjoy the opportunity to show why they have chosen Kingsburg as the place they want to live,” said Mayor Blayney. “The Swedish Festival is a wonderful old fashioned small town event, allowing us to share what a really, really nice place Kingsburg is.”

The Kingsburg Swedish Festival takes place May 19 through 21. For more information, please call The Kingsburg Chamber of Commerce at (559) 897-1111.

 

Kingsburg Farmer's Market

Dates and Times: TBA
Place: Swedish Village
Attractions: Kingsburg area farm fresh produce, crafts & information booths.

Back by popular demand - Pea Soup & Pancakes.
 Great Pumpkin Arrives!

KINGSBURG—Fruit Trail of Fresno County

“While so many of the Valley’s farmer’s markets will be winding down, we’re going to be uncorking some talent and entertainment and opening a second season so to speak,” commented Jess Chambers, executive director for the sponsoring Kingsburg District Chamber of Commerce.
For additional information on the Farmer’s Markets or to become a vendor, contact the Kingsburg District Chamber of Commerce at (559) 897-1111.

 

  

Summer Band Concerts Under the Stars

June 25th; July 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th, 2009
Place: Memorial Park
Attractions: City Band, Food, and Arts and Crafts
Thursday Nights Only Event for 6 weeks
The mercury is rising, the days are getting longer, and the fruit trees are almost ready to be harvested. This can only be the prelude to “Summer Band Concerts Under the Stars.” The City Band has emerged to become the longest running non-professional community band west of the Mississippi. This concert series is held for a six-week period every Thursday night in Kingsburg’s Memorial Park. Each night starts with a Farmer’s Market, Food and Crafts from 5-8 p.m., followed by the concert from 8-9:30 PM. Here’s an opportunity for you to slip back in time to an old-fashioned outdoor Concert and Farmers’ Market.

Crayfish and Jazz Festival

September 19th, 2009
Place: Swedish Village
Attractions: Food, Music, Vendors and More in the quaint downtown Swedish Village
“Watch here for details. Plant your seeds, nurture your pumpkin plants and see if you can grow the biggest. The event will once again be sponsored by Selma Flea Market and have a $1,000 prize for the biggest pumpkin weighed in at their scales and the eating contest will have a $100 prize.”

$6 a piece, available at our office::
1475 Draper Street
Kingsburg, CA 93631
(559) 897-1111

Julgransfest Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

November 27th, 2009
Place: Swedish Village
Just in time for the holiday season, Kingsburg opens its Christmas Village (Swedish style) downtown with lovely lights and festive trappings for the trek down Draper Street singing carols and lighting the community Christmas tree. It’s something right out of Dr. Seuss and his “Whoville” holiday classic. You won’t want to miss this Christmas season kick-off. It starts at dusk on the Friday after Thanksgiving Day.

Santa Lucia Festival Christmas Village Celebration

December 5th, 2009
Place: Swedish Village
Attractions: Parade, Food, Gingerbread House Competition, Caroling, Arts and Crafts
  Festival of Lights Parade
5:30 p.m. on Draper Street

Santa Lucia Day opens the Christmas season with the oldest daughter of the household adorning herself in a long white gown, red sash and a glowing crown of candles. She wakens the family members with the Lucia song and serving saffron buns and coffee at their bedside. The Swedish Village of Kingsburg has adopted this very special tradition. Kingsburg celebrates Santa Lucia Day on the first Saturday in December. The sidewalks of Draper Street will be filled with arts and crafts along with specialty home baked goods, gourmet items, and Swedish entrees. There is a Gingerbread House Competition at the library and the evening concludes with a Festival of Lights Parade.

Annual Car Show

April 16th, 2010
Place: Swedish Village Attractions: Pre-72 Automobiles, Food, Kiddy Area and Entertainment

2010 Kingsburg Car Show Winners:
• Ladies Choice – Alvin Leal, Selma, 1961 Corvette
• Car Show Committee Award – Ron & Georgia Dawson, Kingsburg, 1957 Olds Super 88
• Best Paint – Paul and Yolanda Chapa, Orange Cove, 1956 Ford F-150
• Best “Wild Paint” – Guadalupe Lopez, Fresno, 1953 Chevrolet 3100 Pick-up
• Best Interior – Daniel Serimian, Selma, 1961 Dodge Polara
• Best Motor – Byron Hisey, Newman, 1932 Ford Roadster
• “Best of Show” – Marvin Narbaitz, Modesto, 1937 Ford Coupe

I’m estimating as high as 12,000 to 13,000 in attendance for the weekend including the “Cruise Night” on Friday and those who came for Saturday’s show.
The information merchants and business owners are sharing with me is an incredible crowd and incredible amount of business at their cash registers.
I’m not aware of any problem situations.
There were 301 cars officially entered.

Kingsburg's Swedish Festival

May 13th-15th, 2010
Place: Swedish Village
Attractions: Parade, Smorgasbord, Swedish Pancake Breakfast, Arts & Crafts Fair, Entertainment, Music, Folk Dancing, Maypole, Sacred Concert, Vesper Service and Viking Bed Races - Entry form can be found here (Evening of May 16th)

 

Summer Band Concerts Under the Stars

June 24th; July 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th, 2010
Place: Memorial Park
Attractions: City Band, Food, and Arts and Crafts
Thursday Nights Only Event for 6 weeks
The mercury is rising, the days are getting longer, and the fruit trees are almost ready to be harvested. This can only be the prelude to “Summer Band Concerts Under the Stars.” The City Band has emerged to become the longest running non-professional community band west of the Mississippi. This concert series is held for a six-week period every Thursday night in Kingsburg’s Memorial Park. Each night starts with a Farmer’s Market, Food and Crafts from 5-8 p.m., followed by the concert from 8-9:30 PM. Here’s an opportunity for you to slip back in time to an old-fashioned outdoor Concert and Farmers’ Market.

Independence Celebration

July 3rd, 2010
Place: Kingsburg High School
Attractions: Arts & Crafts, Entertainment, Food, Kiddy Area and Fireworks
More information coming soon!

Julgransfest Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

November 26th, 2010
Place: Swedish Village
Just in time for the holiday season, Kingsburg opens its Christmas Village (Swedish style) downtown with lovely lights and festive trappings for the trek down Draper Street singing carols and lighting the community Christmas tree. It’s something right out of Dr. Seuss and his “Whoville” holiday classic. You won’t want to miss this Christmas season kick-off. It starts at dusk on the Friday after Thanksgiving Day.

Santa Lucia Festival Christmas Village Celebration

December 4th, 2010
Place: Swedish Village
Attractions: Parade, Food, Gingerbread House Competition, Caroling, Arts and Crafts

Festival of Lights Parade

5:30 p.m. on Draper Street
Santa Lucia Day opens the Christmas season with the oldest daughter of the household adorning herself in a long white gown, red sash and a glowing crown of candles. She wakens the family members with the Lucia song and serving saffron buns and coffee at their bedside. The Swedish Village of Kingsburg has adopted this very special tradition. Kingsburg celebrates Santa Lucia Day on the first Saturday in December. The sidewalks of Draper Street will be filled with arts and crafts along with specialty home baked goods, gourmet items, and Swedish entrees. There is a Gingerbread House Competition at the library and the evening concludes with a Festival of Lights Parade.

   

 

KINGSBURG HISTORICAL SOCIETY
P.O. Box 282 - Kingsburg, California 93631

The Historical Park is Located at
2321 Sierra Street – Kingsburg



HISTORICAL PARK INFORMATION GUIDE

The Museum is open for walk-in visitors.
Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

For general information and/or to schedule a group tour (Monday through Saturday) contact Ronald D. Bergman at (559) 897-5795 o.

Admission Fees: Adults/Students, $3.00 (Society Member, no charge) - Children, under 12, $. 50 Immediate Family (Children under 12) $6.00

School Tours: $.50 per student -
no charge for adults
Group Tours: For 25 or more persons,
the fee is $2.00 per person

What follows on this page is a chronological order by year of organizational and developmental highlights of the Kingsburg Historical Society. On page 2 is a map of the Historical Park Campus; the location #'s correspond to the numbered information items beginning on page 3.

1969 Ten local citizens organized the Historical Society.

1970 The Articles of Incorporation of the Kingsburg Historical Society were signed on January 29, 1970 by Jess Smith, James Johnson, Joe R. Ball, Helge Lindholm, Ray Olson, Leland Bergstrom and Roy C. Anderson. The Museum first opened in the Southern Pacific Depot on California Street, Kingsburg. This Depot Museum was in operation from 1970-1984; succeeded by the Clay School building which had arrived in at the Historical Park in the summer of 1975.

1974 The Kingsburg Historical Society purchased 8.9 acres belonging to Fridolf Anderson for a purchase price of $28,000. The site is known today as the Kingsburg Historical Park and is located at 2321 Sierra Street just east of the Kingsburg Alternative Education Center and Oasis High School.

1988 The yard Sprinkler System was installed and Landscaping of the property began.

2003 The Historical Society and the City of Kingsburg began working together to improve the park and make it more accessible. The Historical Park is a Kingsburg City Park. The buildings belong to the City of Kingsburg. The City is responsible for utilities, insurance, yard maintenance and the outside maintenance of the buildings. The Society is responsible to maintain the artifacts and the inside of each building.

2004 The Historical Park & Buildings: On July 1st the Park was opened for self-guided tours with a regular schedule that eventually became Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 1-4 p.m. However, the park was closed to visitors on 3/5/08 because of renovations to the Clay School Building and to the Olson/Ball House. The Park was reopened on 11/6/08 with the Clay School remaining closed. The Museum is staffed with a part time volunteer Coordinator/Docent with additional docents secured as needed.

2008 Two Fire Hydrants were installed in the Historical Park & Fire Suppression Sprinklers were installed in the Olson/Ball House; with repairs made to the ceilings and inside walls as well.


KingsburgChamberOfCommerce.com