Latest news with #SwedishDays
Chicago Tribune
a day ago
- Climate
- Chicago Tribune
Despite the heat, Swedish Days in Geneva a cool destination for families: ‘It's such a community atmosphere'
Geneva resident Heidi Cristina likes coming to Swedish Days in the city, bringing her daughter Kendall, 8, on Saturday morning to the ongoing festival along with some of Kendall's friends. 'It's such a community atmosphere,' she said. 'There's something to do the whole day through from morning till night. We came down here last night and were here yesterday riding the rides. We love every part of it.' The event in downtown Geneva features a carnival, live music, shopping, food, a community parade on Sunday, kids' activities and more. The 75th annual Swedish Days festival opened on Wednesday. As the five-day event, which ends on Sunday, progressed muggy conditions arrived. But the current heat wave hasn't stopped thousands attending the fest, one of the largest annual events in Kane County that officials say draws around 200,000 people each year. Johanna Patterson, communications director for the Geneva Chamber of Commerce which organizes the event, said the weather is always a factor. 'We had a rainy Wednesday and that's OK … this is a five-day event and you have time to recover,' Patterson said as she stood outside the chamber's information booth on Third Street on Saturday. 'We've had much nicer days since and today it's hot but luckily the breeze is making it a little more bearable. 'It's yet to be seen how things will go with the heat,' she said. 'Sunday is always the biggest day because of the parade and people know it's their last chance.' Patterson noted the three-on-three basketball tournament at the event drew a lot of interest, something that first-time visitor Sam Rathbun of St. Charles enjoyed Saturday morning. 'This is my first time here. I didn't know this event was that big,' Rathbun said as he watched the basketball tournament. 'This is huge. … We're just walking around and getting our daughter out and watching some basketball. We'll probably have some lunch and hit the beer tent as well.' Ross Brady of Batavia came with his two daughters and said he has been to Swedish Days more than half a dozen times. 'I live in the area but we come back because of the food and the music in the afternoon,' he said. 'We usually come one day – often on Saturday or Friday nights. I like the bands and have come with friends and we hang out in the beer tent and listen to the music. I think this remains popular because it has that small-town, community feel.' Kim Perona came to Swedish Days for the first time on Saturday along with her mother Lynda Love, both from Naperville, and said they had lunch reservations in Geneva 'since my sister and I elected to take mom here for a Mother's Day gift.' Love said she has been to Swedish Days before and recalled the concerts and other events. 'People love to come back here year after year. It's a great place and food is great and the stores are awesome,' she said of Geneva.
Chicago Tribune
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Swedish Days festival begins Wednesday in downtown Geneva
One of the largest annual events in Kane County is on tap this week as the Geneva Chamber of Commerce will stage the 75th annual Swedish Days festival beginning Wednesday in Geneva. The event features a carnival, live music, shopping, food, a community parade, kids' activities and more. The five-day event, which goes through Sunday, June 22, draws an estimated 200,000 visitors annually to downtown Geneva during its run, organizers said. The Geneva Chamber of Commerce website said the event 'celebrates the heritage of Swedish immigrants who settled in the area.' 'Today, nearly every member of the Geneva community participates in some way, either as a volunteer or participant in the festivities,' according to the website. Johanna Patterson, communications director for the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, said the fest used to run for six days. 'This used to start the Tuesday after Father's Day, but after we came back from COVID, we shortened it by a day,' she said. 'Early on, this was known as Geneva Butter Days and then it became Geneva Days and now Swedish Days which it has been now for a number of years. I think this event continues to have traction because it's popular with visitors and locals. It's kind of a local, unofficial kick-off for summer.' Patterson said having the event the week after Father's Day 'is a good time of year as well.' 'People are still generally in town, and there's a lot of live music for free. There's a lot of food, the carnival and the beer tent,' she said. 'There are sales and specials at all the merchants along the street, and I think that also draws the crowds. It's just all of those things combined.' New events this year at the festival include a pickleball tournament run by the Geneva Park District that will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. Thursday on Third Street. Those looking to participate in the tournament need to go to to sign up. Also, the Mid-Summer Masterpiece event, featuring a sidewalk chalk art competition, will be held Saturday morning at Dodson Place at 500 S. Third St. that will include categories for both children and adults. 'We provide the chalk and then there are prizes for first and second place,' Patterson said. 'We are also doing Bingo in the beer tent on Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. which is new, and a wine tasting in the beer tent on Thursday, also from 4 to 6 p.m., for those who don't love beer.' The carnival at the fest opens on Wednesday and provides unlimited rides with the purchase of a wristband. Friday will be Kids Day, which will include a parade leaving from Campbell and Fourth streets at 11 a.m. followed by activities at the Geneva Public Library. At 1 p.m. on Sunday, the 75th annual Swedish Days Parade will be held beginning at Anderson Boulevard and Center Street downtown. Patterson said Swedish Days is a staple in Geneva. 'It's a great gathering of people that are out for just a positive vibe which is nice and there is something for someone of all ages from young to old,' Patterson said. For a full list of events, go to
