Swedish Days marks 65 years in Geneva
This year marks the 65th anniversary of Swedish Days, a festival that kicks off the beginning of summer in Geneva. Running a full six days — Tuesday, June 17, through Sunday, June 22, — Swedish Days is one of the biggest festivals in the Fox Valley.
“This fest has been a summer classic for over six decades,” said Jean Gaines, president of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce. “New surprises will add a fresh spin to some of the traditions.
“The volunteers, the parade participants and the food vendors come back each year to create six days of fun. We thank everyone involved for helping make our hometown festival an event we can be proud of.”
Festivities take place on South Third Street, just south of State Street and on North Fourth Street. Visitors will also find food booths, activities, shopping and samplings on side streets in downtown Geneva. Many activities are free, including the entertainment. The festival also is accessible via Metra's Union Pacific West Line. Geneva's train station is on South Third Street just blocks from the hub of activities.
Shopping, eating and music are all on the schedule for Tuesday, June 17. Then the kids will help kick off the celebration opening day with Creation Station, the carnival, quad power jump and Fair on the Square — two hours of fun for young visitors on Third Street followed by an ice-cream eating contest. As the day draws to a close, the calendar turns to 1950 as The Crown Vics take us back to the music of bobby sox and malt shops.
Free musical entertainment will be offered all week throughout Swedish Days. Each night a different decade is brought to life on the stage. There's even a place for Swedish entertainers on this year's lineup.
The popular, family friendly Geneva's Got Talent is back. Come and cheer on the semifinalists Wednesday evening. Judges' votes and your votes on Facebook will help carry them over to the finals on Saturday.
Thursday through Sunday, Craft Brew@402 debuts at the tent on Fourth and State, featuring local brewers.
For a complete list of events, visit genevachamber.com/swedish_days.php. If you have any questions, stop at the information booth at the corner of South Third and James streets near the Kane County Courthouse.