Swedish Days festival kicks off Tuesday in Geneva
Known as "The Granddaddy of Illinois Festivals," Geneva's 67th annual Swedish Days will run Tuesday through Sunday, June 21-26, in downtown Geneva.
More than 200,000 visitors and residents are expected to stop by for a variety of activities combining traditional events and new attractions.
Here's a look at what visitors can expect.
Family fun
Tuesday's kickoff explodes with activity for young visitors.
Creation Station opens at 10 a.m., followed by Circus on Third debuting at noon. The Runaway Circus brings fun to Geneva with tightwire walking, balancing a rolling globe and spinning plates. Rock out with Istavan and His Imaginary Band, have your face painted by The Midwest Fun Factory and marvel at the height of Jason Kollum. All this happens in front of Central Stage on Third.
Swedish Days is packed with favorites - the carnival; 3-on-3 basketball tournament; quad power jump; fun at the library tent; and mini golf.
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday bring more Creation Station Exhilaration where each day kids can color, create and construct something cool and fun.
Friday, June 24, is "Kids' Day" where from early in the morning to late into the night, kids can stay busy. All Star Sports coaches will try to dodge getting dunked. The Geneva Park District will coordinate games and activities on the courthouse lawn. Sunset Dancers, Geneva Gymnastics and Geneva Angels Cheerleading will perform.
The Kids' Day Parade invites children through the age of 10 to enter in one of these parade categories: Swedish Costumes, Decorated Bikes and Trikes, Olympic Sports, Star Wars, and Patriotic. Decorate a bike, decorate yourself or do both. Participants should stop by the chamber office at 8 S. Third St. to preregister, or call (630) 232-6060.
Swedish culture
Sweden Väst will be open on Saturday and Sunday on the southeast corner of James and Third streets.
Purchase Swedish-inspired art, taste Swedish delicacies and pastries, and of course meatballs. Assist in the decorating, raising, singing and dancing around the maypole.
Delight in Swedish entertainment both days. Get your Swede on at Sweden Väst this year.
Free entertainment
Free nightly musical entertainment on Central Stage kicks off Tuesday with 7th heaven.
Johnny Russler and The Beach Bum Band, Dennis O'Brien Band, Mason Rivers and Generation … "The Sixties Experience" will also be performing throughout the week.
From 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, relax on the courthouse lawn and listen to featured artists No Strings Attached, The Thompson Duo, Kayla Mickelsen and Backyard Cohort.
Talent will be phenomenal at "Geneva's Got Talent." Semifinalists perform Wednesday, June 22, each vying for the chance to move on to the finals Saturday night, June 25, and win a $1,000 first prize.
Food and drink
Festivalgoers can feast on traditional Swedish and favorite American and ethnic foods including, brats, ribs, turkey legs, veggie burgers, wood-smoked pork sandwiches, meatballs, pizza, garlic crab pasta and burritos, to name a few at the many nonprofit food booths. Desserts will also be available.
Visitors can also stop by one of the beer gardens that will offer good food, drink, and entertainment during the festival. Visit genevachamber.com for a listing of more than 40 restaurants, pizzerias and pubs.
The Craft Brew Tent returns in a new location, closer to the entertainment and food booths. It will open Thursday at West Campbell and Third streets. Enjoy craft beers from Stockholm's and Penrose Brewing, including a hard root beer and hard cider.
Shopping and treasures
Shoppers look forward each year to merchant sidewalk sales offering "must have" bargains in Geneva's 100-plus specialty shops.
New: a 5K run
The new Swedish Days 5K Lopp will take place Saturday along the Fox River. Participants are encouraged to dress in a Scandinavian theme. For details or to register, visit genevachamber.com/events/details/swedish-days-5k-lopp-24025.