Geneva showcased its Swedish heritage during the Swedish Days Kids Day Parade in downtown Geneva. This annual event, part of the five-day summer festival sponsored by the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, concluded on Sunday. The community gathered to support around 50 children participating in the parade. Some wore Viking helmets and capes, while others donned floral crowns in the blue and yellow colors of the Swedish flag.

The parade, featuring children on bikes and wagons, began at Campbell and Fourth streets. The tradition started in 1984, according to the Geneva Chamber of Commerce. Jesus Rodriguez, 9, dressed as a Viking for the occasion, stated, “It’s fun to walk around dressed like a Viking. The Swedish flag is a nice accessory.” His costume was homemade, his mother, Yoseling Rodriguez of Geneva, explained. He completed his outfit with a faux fur collar and his father’s tool belt for added effect.

Geneva Chamber of Commerce Communications Coordinator Elisa Reamer noted the effort kids and parents put into their parade entries. Ellen and Andrew Wydra of Geneva entered their children, Walter and Fitz, into the parade. They transformed their wagon into a Viking ship with a dragon-head cardboard cutout, painted sails, and shields on the sides, using blue streamers to represent sea waves.

Andrew Wydra shared, “We get really into this.” For many Geneva families, Swedish Days is a tradition. “We enjoy the fun and amusement, and it’s the start of summer. It’s become our family tradition,” he added.

The Nelson and Wendell families, with members such as Allison, Tim, Kristina, and Brad, also participated and won first place in the Swedish Spirit Division. The Nelson family, deeply rooted in Geneva’s Swedish heritage, highlighted their long history. Tim Nelson mentioned, “My dad’s great-grandpa came to Geneva in 1885 and had a general store on State Street. My children are fifth-generation Nelsons.” Kristina Wendell reflected on the family’s history with Swedish Days, sharing, “We have lots of good memories.”

Paula Nagel attended the parade with her great-nephew Alex and great-niece Amina. She noted, “Swedish Days is a family tradition. We took our children to Swedish Days.” Despite rain on Wednesday, crowds still gathered for the festival, as people traveled from Chicago and Pittsburgh. Reamer concluded, “Thankfully, it was cooler this year.”

Linda Girardi reports for The Beacon-News.