Geneva's Swedish Days celebrates Scandinavian heritage

The 98th annual Swedish Midsummer Festival will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 21, at Good Templar Park, 528 East Side Drive in Geneva. This year's festivities include the popular traditional Swedish Maypole Dance, which is open to festival goers of all ages.

Music will be provided throughout the day by the award-winning Swedish American Children's Choir, Ernie Sandquist and Cai Rubin with a Swedish and American sing-along, and John Berquist performing music and tales from the Upper Midwest.

In addition, the renowned Nordic Dancers of Chicago will perform twice during the day.

The Micel Folcland Historic Re-enactors will set up a Viking encampment and demonstrate every day skills of the Vikings, including weapons practice, weaving, spinning, cooking, and even ninth-century game playing. Cheryl Schinski of Mundelein returns with her Icelandic horses, Solvari & Sindri, and will give several riding demonstrations of this ancient Viking breed during the day.

Roy Roe and Pat Hanson will lead tours of the authentic ninth-century Norwegian Viking ship reproduction that sailed from Norway to Chicago's Columbian Exposition in 1893, and was one of the most popular attractions at the Exposition. The ship was christened "The Raven" in Norway, but nicknamed "The Viking," and is the recipient of an award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Roe also will give several short lectures about the ship and answer questions.

Tours of some of the charming Swedish style stugas, or summer cottages, at Good Templar Park will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for an additional fee. Built in the 1930s and 1940s, many have stayed in the same family for three or four generations.

Scandinavian and American food will be served beginning at 9 a.m., including the traditional Swedish breakfast. With crafters, games for children, and a nondenominational church service, in addition to entertainment, dancing, and cultural presentations, the 98th annual Swedish Midsummer Day Festival has something for everyone.

Admission is $5 for adults, free for kids younger than 12. Entry to Swedish Midsummer Festival also is free to anyone coming to the gate in authentic, traditional Scandinavian costumes. For details, visit www.swedishday.net or call Pam Gustafson at (847) 845-2640.

<p class="factboxtextbold12col"><b>Local artists in the Fox Valley</b> area will be showcasing their talents at this year's 60th annual Swedish Days festival. </p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col">From Geneva, Amy Molloy will offer baby slings and other infant items, while Stephanie Andrews of Batavia will feature handbags. Unique copper wall hangings by Autumn Sheahan of Sycamore and folk art signs from Laura and Jan Ravenna of Elmhurst also will be displayed. </p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col">Artists Lawrence Cimaglio of Wheaton (fused glass art), Juarez Boyd of Winfield (doll clothes) and Jay Wennerstein of Carol Stream (etchings and prints) are just a few more talented crafters you might want to add to your list of acquaintances. </p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col">Nearly 100 exhibitors will display their creative wares in colorful tents along Hamilton Street (between Second and Sixth streets) Tuesday, June 23, to Thursday, June 25. The craft show will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday. </p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col">For details, visit <a href="http://www.genevachamber.com" target="new">www.genevachamber.com</a> or call (630) 232-6060.</p>