Festival Director
Edward Schmalz
Finan Svenson
Edward founded VikingFest and directs the festival. His projects include Apparition, ReRoll Tavern, The Wyld, and Live Laugh LARP.
The people behind Hedeby
Meet the hands
behind the gathering.
VikingFest is raised by organizers, artists, builders, storytellers, and community leaders working together long before the gates open.
NOV13–142026 · ST. JOSEPH
The VikingFest administrative team
Many hands.
One mighty gathering.
From the stage and marketplace to Kidgard, the pyre, the cast, and the gate, this is the crew responsible for turning Mead & Mischief into a living festival.
Deputy Director
Wyatt Meriwether
A strongman, performer, and steady production leader, Wyatt helps turn VikingFest’s ambitious plans into a safe, organized gathering—while also stepping into the living story as the mighty Thunderer.
Vendor Director
Shanon Lewis
Shanon works directly with VikingFest’s merchants, makers, and food vendors, coordinating the marketplace that gives Hedeby its color, craft, and flavor.
Facilities Director
Brandon Lewis
Brandon oversees the festival grounds, setup, and teardown.
Community Coordinator
Katarina Elaine
Katarina strengthens the relationships at the heart of VikingFest, welcoming participants and helping the festival community grow between gatherings.
Bluffwoods Renaissance Festival Organizer
Jonathan McClain
Jonathan brings the experience and adventurous spirit of Bluffwoods Renaissance Festival to VikingFest, supporting collaborative programming and the living village.
Cast Director
Chris Cole
Chris guides the festival cast, helping performers build the encounters, relationships, and improvised moments that make Hedeby feel alive.
Character Coordinator
Daniel Symes
Daniel coordinates VikingFest’s principal characters and story continuity. On the grounds, guests will also know him as Sven, the Jarl’s warm-hearted consort.
Kidgard Leader
Eowyn
Eowyn leads Kidgard, shaping age-appropriate games, stories, crafts, and adventures for VikingFest’s youngest raiders.
Sponsorship Coordinator
Staci Hubbard
Staci coordinates festival sponsorships and works with our business partners.
Keeper of the Gate
Rusty M
Rusty helps guard the threshold between the everyday world and Hedeby, welcoming arrivals and keeping the festival entrance moving.
Coordinator of the Pyre
Danial Roy
Thorin Badgersson
Danial coordinates the evening pyre and its powerful closing ritual, bringing together fire, rhythm, remembrance, and the gathered community.
Entertainment Coordinator
Michael Doss
A Kansas City musician and experienced live-entertainment collaborator, Michael helps assemble and support the eclectic performers who give VikingFest its sound, energy, and after-dark spirit.
Want to help build the next chapter of VikingFest?
Join the cast & crew