Välkommen to the oldest ethnic festival in Illinois. Enjoy the video!
*Please note: There are no rides on the Icelandic horse. However, pony rides will be available as part of the children activities.
The first event was held on Sunday, June 25, 1911 at Linden Park in Evanston. The next year, 1912, it was held on Sunday the 23rd of June at Riesig Grove in Riverside. Then in 1913, Swedish Day was held at Ravinia Park for the next 11 years through 1924 when the organization decided to purchase their own property. We acquired our current location and have celebrated Swedish Day annually every third Sunday in June since 1925 here at Good Templar Park in Geneva.
Svenskarnas Dag (Swedish Day) has provided an opportunity for the numerous Scandinavian immigrants to enjoy the traditional celebration of Midsommar. This annual celebration family festival at Good Templar Park is open to the public and attended by people of all nationalities, this festival focuses on the Scandinavian celebration of Midsommar, the longest day of the year.
Entrance is $7 per person at the gate, with free attendance for children 12 and under, active military, and those in traditional Scandinavian costume. Additional costs for Food, cottage walks and Viking ship.
The Festival’s Schedule Events
9 AM Gate, Restaurants & Kaffe Stuga open
10 AM Worship Service, music by the Holmstad Choir,
Kids Activities & Blue the Icelandic horse, Viking Ship,
10:30 AM Cottage Walks begin
11 AM Lutefisk Toss - A Scandinavian Tradition
12 PM Maypole Raising and Swedish folk dancing
1 PM Opening Ceremony
Procession of Flags
Posting of Colors by the Scout of America
National Anthems: Tina Lawrenz
Welcome: Steve Kass, President, Swedish Day 2025
Remarks: Honored Guests
Introduction of Performers by Master of Ceremonies: Dr. Paul R. Muhr
1:15 PM Chicago Spelmanslag
2:00 PM The Nordic Folk Dancers of Chicago
2:45 PM Die Musikmeisters Band
3:30 PM Northland Vikings Reenactors
Traditional Scandinavian Meals
Food is sold at additional and while supplies last)
Swedish Pancakes (Pannkakor) Meal: **Pork Sausage side available at additional cost
Swedish Meatball (Kottbullar) Meal:
Fried Herring (Sill) Meal:
For your Sweet Tooth (Gottegris) Swedish Bakery Items & Treats from Iversen's Bakery
Cardamon Coffee Bread (Kardemummabrod)
Almond Tart (Mazariner)
Ice cold Lingonberry Lemonade. A refreshing thirst quenching treat.
16oz cup of Pink Lemonade mixed with Lingonberry syrup on ice
