Swedish Days parade to honor military
Jesse White Tumbling Team, the Patriots Marching Unit and the Band of the Black Watch will return to Geneva's 61st Swedish Days Parade on Sunday. And there is also something new.
As part of a program called "Salute to Our Military," leading the parade this year will be a 50-foot American flag carried by Eagle Scouts from Troop No. 46, said Laura Rush, communications manager at Geneva Chamber of Commerce.
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., servicemen in uniform can get a variety of free food from festival booths marked with a flag.
Jean Gaines, president of the chamber, said more than 120 units will join the parade this Sunday. Last year, it drew 65,000 fans, about three times the population of Geneva.
Among the crowd will be 55-year-old Chuck Lencioni. Once a kid watching the parade, a firefighter in the parade, he will lead this year's parade as the marshal. The Geneva Building Commissioner said his family has been in the town since 1902.
"Being here all my life, I don't know if I've ever missed one (parade)." said Lencioni.
The marshal added his Sunday outfit will be in blue and yellow, "the colors of Sweden."
The hometown parade will start from Anderson Boulevard at 1 p.m. and end at the Geneva Metra station.
Rush said people would probably go around the periphery of Geneva for parking space and walk a bit to get to the viewing area, but finding a spot should not be a problem.
Visitors can come early and enjoy the all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m., provided by the Geneva Vikings Mimer Lodge 33. The hearty feast will include Swedish pancakes, fried herring, bacon, eggs, potatoes, grilled onions, limpa rye bread and beverage. The cost for adults is $10; kids 12 and younger pay $5.
After you've eaten and watched the parade, stay for festival events, including the Green Expo and carnival, which continue through the afternoon.
"The parade will be a great way to top off a great week," Rush said.