Kane County Reporter

The City of Geneva will serve as the presenting sponsor for the 75th anniversary of Swedish Days, an annual festival organized by the Geneva Chamber of Commerce. The event is scheduled to take place from June 18 to June 22 in downtown Geneva.

Organizers expect more than 200,000 visitors and residents to attend this year’s festival, which features a range of activities for all ages. According to the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, details about the festivities can be found on its website.

This year introduces several new attractions. A pickleball tournament will be held on Third Street, open to men and women aged 18 and older. Registration is available through genevaparks.org. Another addition is “A Stroll Through History – Celebrating 75 Years of Swedish Days,” presented by the Geneva Chamber and the Geneva History Museum. Participating shops throughout downtown will display posters highlighting notable moments from past festivals.

Artists are invited to participate in a sidewalk chalk contest, with prizes awarded and entries displayed during the festival. Registration for this contest is available on the Chamber’s website.

Some downtown shops will offer specials during Swedish Days, while others will remain open late on Wednesday and Thursday for “Swedish Nights.” Sweden Väst will focus on Swedish items over the weekend for those interested in learning about Geneva's Swedish heritage.

A craft beer tent at Third and James streets will feature local breweries such as Penrose Brewing Company, Stockholm's Restaurant & Brewery, and Art History Brewing. On Wednesday night, bingo games are planned in the beer tent. Thursday evening includes a wine tasting event hosted by Geneva Wine Cellars.

Free nightly entertainment is scheduled at Central Stage beginning Wednesday with performances by the Swedish American Choir, Geneva Park District groups, and semifinalists from “Geneva’s Got Talent.” Bands will perform Thursday and Friday evenings at Center Stage. Additional solo artists and small bands are set to play afternoons in the craft beer tent throughout most of the week. Traditional Scandinavian dancing by Nordic Folk Dancers of Chicago is scheduled for Saturday on the courthouse lawn.

Food booths operated by non-profit organizations will offer traditional Swedish fare along with other American and ethnic foods such as brats, turkey legs, pizza, meatballs, garlic crab pasta, roasted corn, and desserts.

Geneva restaurants plan to participate with offerings ranging from casual bistros to formal dining options. Several beer gardens—including one at James Street—will provide food and entertainment during the festival.

Residents who have lived in Geneva for more than 25 years are invited to attend the Geneva Settlers Breakfast on June 19 at Riverside Receptions; breakfast service begins at 8:30 a.m., with no reservations required.

Youth activities include a carnival running all five days starting Wednesday. Other events include dodgeball and basketball tournaments as well as mini golf. June 20 marks “Kids’ Day,” featuring a parade for children up to age ten that departs from Campbell & Fourth streets. Activities continue throughout Kids’ Day both inside and outside the Geneva Public Library.

The Swedish Days 5K Lopp race returns Sunday morning with updated features; registration information can be found at genevachamber.com.

The Grand Parade takes place Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m., drawing an estimated audience of over 45,000 people along its route through downtown Geneva.

For further details about events or registration information, visit the Geneva Chamber of Commerce website or call 630-232-6060.