POULSBO — This year’s Viking Fest is the 47th annual, but there is a lot that’s new to this celebration of Poulsbo’s Norwegian heritage.

The Rotary Club of Poulsbo-North Kitsap has teamed with Viking Fest to present the Viking Tour, an event designed to be more than a simple bike race.

“We wanted this to be a big part of Viking Fest,” said Dan Barry, a member of the Viking Tour team. “We partnered immediately with the festival and have been working hand in hand to help draw supporters and participants from the Seattle area and all over.”

Poulsbo hotels sell out early for Viking Fest, and this year is no exception. With its traditional events as well as new additions, like Viking Tour, hotels were already filled to capacity at the beginning of the week.

The Viking Tour — it begins at 8 a.m. May 17 — consists of three races to accommodate  people of all cycling levels. For experienced cyclists wanting a challenge, the “Odin” is 63 miles with more than 4,000 feet of climbing elevation. Looking for something a little less intense? The “Thor” is a 35-miler with fewer inclines.

Participants of the Odin and Thor races can enroll in a free 3.5-mile time trial; the top three racers get medals and the person who finishes first wins a free jersey, as well as a $1,000 prize.

Want something a little more low-key? Then “Loki” is for you. This family friendly ride is three miles and winds along the shores of Liberty Bay.

The Rotary Club spent a lot of time making sure this event would be fun and safe for those participating.

“We have been adjusting these courses for more than nine months to make them as safe as possible,” Barry said. “Course safety was our first priority. This event is well organized and we are well prepared.”

If you get to Poulsbo early enough on May 17, you will get to witness the 300-plus riders being escorted by Poulsbo police through downtown. Mechanics and motorcyclists will monitor the course, ready to help any rider in need. There will be four rest stops sponsored by different local businesses in Kitsap County providing more than peanut butter sandwiches and Gatorade.

“We asked them to really get involved with the event and help set it apart from other races,” Barry said. “They’ve all really embraced it and have much more in store than typical race sustenance.”

For participants and those who simply want to be a part of the fun, there is a celebration after the race with a beer garden and live music followed by the award ceremony at 4 p.m.

“The winners will be awarded medals and Viking hats, keeping with the theme, as well as getting their picture taken on the podiums,” Barry said. “Participants of the Odin and Thor races also get T-shirts and backpacks filled with goodies from our sponsors. So, it will be an all-day event on Viking Fest Sunday.”

Viking Fest is May 15-17. The opening ceremony is 4 p.m. May 15 at the Austin-Kvelstad Pavilion.

The 43rd annual Poulsbo Noon Lions Pancake Breakfast is 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 16 at North Kitsap High School. The 38th annual Viking Fest Road Race begins at 7:30 a.m. downtown. The Sons of Norway Scandinavian Luncheon is from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the lodge. The 46th annual downtown parade begins at 2 p.m.; the grand marshal is Denise Whitaker, KOMO 4 Weekend morning anchor.

On May 17, the Viking Tour’s start will be followed by the VolksSporters Walking Club 5K and 10K Fun Walk. At Austin-Kvelstad Pavilion, the Donut-Eating Contest begins at 10 a.m., the Oyster-Eating Contest at noon, the Lutefisk-Eating Contest at 1 p.m., the Viking Fest Stand-Up Paddle Board Race at 2, and the third annual Message in a Bottle Race at 4.

Those are signature events. Other new events in this year’s Viking Fest:

— Viking Idol, presented at Slippery Pig Brewery. Karaoke semi-finals are at 9 p.m. May 15; finals are at 9 p.m. May 16.

— TVW, which provides C-SPAN-style coverage of the state Legislature, will film a documentary of Viking Fest during the event. Producer Jason Gutz is looking for individuals to be interviewed. If you happen to see a camera crew heading your way, put on your Viking helmet — you may walk away a star.

— FindPoulsbo.com is hosting a photo contest. If you like posting photos of Poulsbo and things you like doing here, then submit your photos using the hashtag #vikingadventure.

Post about your favorite spring activity, what in Poulsbo inspires you or things you love to do with your friends in the area for a chance to win a prize. The contest continues through May 21 and the top three winners will receive gift packs. All photos submitted are property of Find Poulsbo. The winners will be announced via Facebook and FindPoulsbo.

Online: www.findpoulsbo.com/vikingadventure.

Above: Denise Whitaker, KOMO 4 Weekend morning anchor, is grand marshal of the 2015 Viking Fest Parade.