Small World Gallery will be doing an in-gallery recognition of the 25th Wild Dala anniversary for Svensk Hyllningsfest.

There is a special fondness for Lindsborg’s Wild Dala herd at Small World because the gallery commissioned one of the earliest members of the herd, the Dalallama Telecomma. Painted by the late Steve Scott of Lindsborg, the Dalallama was unveiled in the Fall of 2000 in ceremonies at the Öl Stuga. During the festival, Dalallama will be displayed in the front window at 112 N. Main St.

It’s worth noting that the mother of Wild Dala herd was carved in wood and weighed 300 pounds. Named Queen Katarina Ditto, she was the model for the first fiberglass injection mold that formed the early horses. After the mold making process, it was cleaned and decorated by craftsmen at the Hemslöjd and unveiled in the lobby of Peoples Bank and Trust at 201 S. Main St. She remains there today.

In those early days, each new Dala was introduced by a volunteer group called the Wild Dala Horse Wranglers. Most unveilings included street theater and parody songs set to well-known tunes. At the Small World recognition you can:

🔴Browse the Wild Dala scrapbook (editor unknown) that recaps the project after the first 25 horses.

🔴Hum a tune, sing a new song by browsing a second scrapbook of parody songs and other handout materials from some of the unveilings.

🔴Scour a box of Jim’s 4- by 6-inch photo prints taken during unveilings and various antics during the years. Look for names, places, and horses in legends on the reverse.

🔴View or purchase glossy greeting card versions of Wild Dala studio photographs that Jim Richardson took in the early years of the project.

Celebrate those Wild Dalas! The small herd has grown to 42 with the newest being found at the American Legion Post 140, 524 E. State Street. Some have been retired. Some have been repainted. All are a reflection of the creative, whimsical, and warm community of Lindsborg.

Location of Small World Gallery: 127 N Main Street Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm The Wild Dala recognition will run October 10-24.