Swedish Days maintains tradition, with a twist
The largest festival in Geneva, the 66th annual Swedish Days, will continue through the weekend with a focus on Scandinavian art, history, and food.
Geneva's midsummer festival, which runs until Sunday evening, includes live music, theatrical performances, and historical education, as well as typical festival fare such as a carnival and parade.
Organizers are aiming to maintain traditions of their decades-old celebration, but bring new twists, said Laura Rush, communications manager for the Geneva Chamber of Commerce.
"We don't want to change too much, but just enough to keep it fresh," Rush said. "We want to give people a little taste of Sweden, not just through buying things, but by talking to people who have lived there and asking questions about Sweden."
Some of those new activities include Viking living historians, a revamped beer garden, and an exhibit from the Swedish-American Museum in Chicago.
"We're always trying to reach the Swedish-American community in Chicago," said Karin Abercrombie, the museum's executive director. "The Swedish-American community is all working together."
On Saturday, the museum will bring Swedish novelties and educational material to the Swedish Väst area at the festival.
And without curtailing the traditional beer garden, organizers have moved the Craft Brew @402 tent across the street to a larger location and added live music. Geneva's own Penrose Brewing Company will be one of the breweries bringing its fermented hops in a number of unique forms. Seasoned craft beer connoisseurs can critique different styles while novice drinkers can taste unfamiliar flavors.
"We're in the middle of our busy summertime beer festival season, but it's always great to be able to pour beer in our own backyard for our friends and neighbors," said the company's founder, Eric Hobbs.
The festival will continue its preserved traditions such as the Swedish cottage walk in Good Templar Park, concerts on the courthouse lawn, the kids' parade on Friday, the 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Third Street, and the 66th annual Swedish Days Grand Parade, which concludes the festival on Sunday.
Geneva resident Heidi Hunter is volunteering at Swedish Days for her eighth year. She said she couldn't be more proud to operate the information desk and show visitors what her town has to offer.
"I love it. We have a wonderful time and such a wonderful team," Hunter said. "We have other festivals going on, but Swedish Days is really, really special. We have a good time with it and I will do it as long as I can. It's rewarding, giving back."
At Swedish Väst, the corner of South Fourth and State streets morphs into a miniature Sweden on Saturday and Sunday. There, visitors will find shops, treats, artists and Vikings.
Paddy Lynn of Mundelein will bring her storyacting interactive performance in which she narrates stories while kids take on characters. One story she saves for Swedish Days is a Swedish folk tale called "Nail Soup" where a cunning visitor cons an inn worker into kindness.
"(The protagonist) helps her to see that kindness to strangers, and (to) people in general, actually makes you feel good," Lynn said. "I like the message for kids and actually just people in general."
Even though the activity is geared toward kids, Lynn encourages everyone to participate. The performances can also teach adults a very valuable lesson, Lynn said.
"Crowds usually come and gather around and watch the kids, who without any fear just jump right in," she said. "Somewhere along the road we've all lost our own self-confidence."
The story acting event will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday. For information visit www.genevachamber.com/swedish_days.php.
Swedish Days festival, at a glance
What: A midsummer celebration, celebrating 66 years; featuring food, entertainment, a carnival, kids' activities, Swedish offerings, shopping and more
When: Runs through Sunday, June 28. Most activities start at 10 a.m.; see schedule for exact times.
Where: Most activities take place throughout downtown Geneva; see map for specific locations.
Cost: Free general admission. Cost for some activities.
Parking: Public parking throughout the downtown, courtesy of Geneva merchants.
Details: Visit www.genevachamber.com; call (630) 232-6060, or visit the information booth at the corner of South Third and James streets.