JJ Gorski, 2, gets a prime seat on grandpa Cy Mikleson’s shoulders during the Swedish Days parade in Geneva Sunday, June 28, 2026. Mikleson lives just north of the parade route in Anderson Boulevard in St. Charles, while his grandson is from Chicago.
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com
The 2026 Swedish Days parade proved how amazing the Geneva community is when everyone comes together.
With the help of several of downtown Geneva business owners and the hometown heroes who helped sponsor the big event, the Geneva Chamber of Commerce hosted the longest parade lineup since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The parade, which lasted over an hour and featured 82 acts, included local organizations and businesses, floats, classic cars, music, performers and more.
Martha Sanchez, an employee of State Street Jewelers for five decades, was the grand marshal for the 2026 Geneva Swedish Days parade. She was chosen for her deep dedication and epitomizing the heart of the community. This year's parade was extra special after a coalition of local downtown merchants and businesses stepped in to preserve the beloved tradition after its initial cancellation.
Courtesy of State Street Jewelers
Crowd favorite Jesse White Tumblers flipped their way to the end. The Medinah Highlanders Pipes and Drums returned along with the West Suburban Home School Marching Band. Families enjoyed the Wonderful Wacky Juggler and the ever-popular New Generation Fancy Drill Team.
The parade was coordinated by Geneva Chamber of Commerce, State Street Jewelers, INLURO, Liz & Kate Boutique, Urban Artisan, The Royal Wren, Blinka Optical and Geneva History Museum.
The Jesse White Tumblers perform during the Swedish Days parade in Geneva Sunday, June 28, 2026.
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com
The parade was sponsored by State Street Jewelers, The Gift Box/Scandinavian Imports, Richard and Norma Jaeger, Steve and Patrice Bertheau, LOVV The Dance Studio, The State Bank of Geneva, Kristin Cornelio in honor of her father Michael Sommerfeld, Geneva Family Dental, Stockholm’s Restaurant & Brewery, The Little Traveler, Geneva Financial, Karas Restaurant Group, and Waubonsee Community College.
Cecilia Fedota, 6, of Geneva is ready for some candy action during the Swedish Days parade in Geneva Sunday, June 28, 2026.
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com
The Aurora Area Shrine Club unit features the popular mini Corvette-style cars in the Geneva Swedish Days Parade on June 28.
Courtesy of Lynne Ball
The Rockford Rhythm drum line march to the beat in the 2026 Geneva Swedish Days Parade on June 28.
Courtesy of Lynne Ball
The Patriots, the West Suburban Home School Band which practices in Wayne, joins in the 2026 Geneva Swedish Days Parade on June 28.
Courtesy of Lynne Ball
The Chicago Highlanders Pipes & Drums participate in the 2026 Geneva Swedish Days Parade on June 28.
Courtesy of Lynne Ball
Geneva Garden Club members march along in the 2026 Geneva Swedish Days Parade on June 28.
Courtesy of Lynne Ball