Swedish Days attract crowds thanks to summery weather
Beautiful weather.
Popular new attractions.
A desire to get outside after weeks of rainy weather.
A tradition that goes back to the 1940s.
These components combine for the perfect formula for a successful festival.
And the 59th annual Swedish Days in Geneva has seen them all come together for a very well-attended festival so far.
"It's an event planner's dream," said Jean Gaines, the president of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce. "It comes around so fast every year, you never feel you have enough time to do what you want. When it is successful, it's rewarding to us."
Since the start of the festival Tuesday, the weather has definitely cooperated. Clear skies and temperatures in the mid- to upper-70s all three days so far of the festival, with a brief visit to the 80s on Thursday, have left organizers ecstatic. The festival runs through Sunday.
Although Gaines said the crowds are typical of Swedish Days with such great weather, it doesn't change their appreciation.
"We all enjoy creating fun," she said. "We have a staff that works extremely hard. It makes the weeks of work worthwhile."
Several new attractions have also helped draw crowds and keep them entertained.
A Nintendo Wii Fit display has attracted fans young and old to try out the video game company's newest hit. Another display showcases new Saab cars.
Sandy Portincaso, the chamber's public relations and events coordinator, said some of the success can be attributed to residents choosing to stay home as well as community members' hospitality.
"Merchants and the rest of the community have gone all out to make people feel welcome this year," she said. "A lot of people have stayed in the area and wanted to do some local things. This might have filled that niche."
The weekend should bring more of the same.
The National Weather Service forecasts temperatures in the high 70s and 80s for Geneva, although there is a slight chance of rain.
And old favorites will join new attractions in the limelight this afternoon. The Kids Day Parade is scheduled for 1 p.m. and a Kids Fire Hose Challenge at 1:15 p.m.