How Swede it is — Geneva celebrates Swedish Midsummer Festival
Families filled Geneva’s Good Templar Park on Sunday to celebrate a tradition that’s been part of the community for more than 110 years.
The Swedish Midsummer Festival — or Svenskarnas Dag — has been observed since 1911 to honor the suburb’s Scandinavian roots.
The fest features a mix of old-fashioned and modern — from the traditional maypole raising and lutefisk toss, to a performance by an ABBA tribute band.
Linnea Zamora of Joliet and daughter Lucia start dance around the maypole Sunday during the 114th Swedish Midsummer Festival at Good Templar Park in Geneva.
Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
Visitors dance around the maypole Sunday during the 114th Swedish Midsummer Festival at Good Templar Park in Geneva.
Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
Ashley Yoggerst, originally from Geneva and now of downstate Springfield, dances around the maypole Sunday during the 114th Swedish Midsummer Festival at Good Templar Park in Geneva.
Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald
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