Final thoughts on Swedish Days

With Swedish Days behind us, it's time to share my final thoughts on the subject.

First off, the flash mob dance that broke out during the music set by Spoken Four was impressive. The choreographed routine that was practiced at Geneva High School for weeks prior to display on Third Street looked like fun.

I was afraid a high-energy Pat Hofstetter was going to pull a hamstring or throw out his back, but otherwise everything looked safe.

Still riding bike:Tom Rogers surely rode his bike to Swedish Days when he was a youngster. Well, things haven't changed much.Rogers, the principal at Geneva High School, rode his bike to Third Street last week to work his shift at the Geneva Lions food booth during Swedish Days, then hopped on his bike to go home after his shift.Considering how tricky parking can be during the festival, Rogers had the right idea.Another great treat:I had a lot of great food at the festival between the raindrops, but my sweet tooth was most pleased with a Savannah bar at Great Harvest Bread on Third Street.It's an oats and raspberry treat that was #8212; I know I overuse this statement when I really like something #8212; the greatest thing ever made.Only slightly annoying:This is a crowded festival and I understand that parents want their young kids to enjoy the fun of Swedish Days. But the ones who spend a lot of time crying still annoy me.It is also understandable that someone might want to take the family dog for a walk while enjoying the festival. But those that bark at everything that moves probably should stay home.Helping kids in Uganda:Alex Gruber of St. Charles doesn't play soccer, but he knows it is best played with an actual soccer ball.That's why the 13-year-old Haines Middle School student saved money he earned from mowing lawns and bought four new soccer balls to hand over to Ron and Becky Hubbard.At Rejoice Lutheran Church in Geneva, Alex listened closely to the Hubbards talk about their charity work of the past four years in the slums of Uganda, helping in orphanages, hospitals and schools. #8220;Alex was told by Ron Hubbard that the kids over there will crumble up newspapers and put string or tape around them to make a soccer ball,#8221; said Alex's mother, Wendy Gruber. #8220;He remembered that and decided he would donate new soccer balls.#8221;Wendy said her son also saved his #8220;charity allowance#8221; money and turned $50 over to the Hubbards to use in Uganda for something that was needed.The Hubbards make the trip to Uganda each year through the Loving One By One ministries, and this is not the first time they have benefited from Alex's help.Last year, he collected 1,300 hats to send to Uganda to help protect children from the sun.In a news release from the church, Becky Hubbard said of Alex: #8220;Rarely do you see kids donate so much of their own time and energy to help others so far away. Alex is an amazing young man and the children of Uganda are blessed.#8221;dheun@sbcglobal.net