Swedish Days ready for its 61st birthday
There are only two ways to say "welcome" in Swedish, but many ways to express that hospitality.
From Tuesday to Sunday, June 22 to 27, the Swedish Days festival will return to Geneva, a town known for its "Sverige" roots. Hailed as the "Granddaddy of Illinois Festivals," the celebration is entering its 61st year.
"Every year we follow the same formula. And people like it." said Jean Gaines, president of the Geneva Chamber Board.
That formula is tradition. Good Templar Park will feature Viking ship tours to the "Raven," a 19th century Norwegian replica of the Gokstad ship built around 850 A.D., according to swedishday.net. "Raven" sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in 1893 for the Chicago World Fair. It has remained in Illinois ever since.
The Swedish cottage tour is promising a more recent cultural taste. About 50 quaint cottages will further brighten up the summer palette of Good Templar Park. Visitors can walk in six of them to get a feel of Swedish home decor, as well, said Gaines.
Across Fox River, Geneva History Center is putting on the largest rosemaling show in the country. Fifty artists will present their Norwegian flower paintings from Wednesday to Saturday.
Baroque and Rococo fantasies, told through C and S strokes, are combined with the utility of art in rosemaling. Baskets, magazine holders, and trays are common hosts of this art form.
If you want to bring home a piece, Karen Sanderson, a 36-year rosemaler from Wisconsin, has some advice.
"Check out the fine lines to see if they are nice and smooth," she suggests.
Besides the rosemaling show, 100 fine crafters from more than 10 states will showcase their talents at the festival. Alison Bedford of West Chicago said she might hand make crochet baby hats if the weather is not "ungodly hot."
As a family-friendly festival, Swedish Days also has a fun package for kids. In addition to the activities throughout the week, Friday will be designated as Kids' Day. For the first time, children can take a "shot on goal" on synthetic ice and participate in an interactive martial arts demonstration, according to a news release. Festival fixtures like the Dunk Tank and Fire Hose Challenge will also return.
Of course, don't forget to fill up your stomach before diving into the festive crowd. Lacy Swedish pancakes topped with lingonberries will be available throughout the celebration. Swedish meatballs would satisfy some protein cravings among other delicacies.
When the nights fall, tune in for another episode of the Swedish Days bash. Liverpool-The ultimate musical tribute to the Beatles will kick off evening performances on Tuesday. Mike & Joe, an alternative and modern rock band, and Libido Funk Circus will try to get the crowd in sync on the following nights.
"The goal is to bring people to the downtown, let them enjoy the restaurants, entertainment, and history of Geneva," said Gaines.
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p>
<p class="News"><b>What:</b> 61st Midsummer Festival Swedish Days</p>
<p class="News"><b>When:</b> Tuesday-Sunday, June 22-27</p>
<p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Downtown Geneva</p>
<p class="News"><b>Details:</b> View a complete schedule of events at <a href="http://genevachamber.com" target="new">genevachamber.com</a> or call (630)-232-6060</p>
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