Rick Does Swedish Days: Thursday, June 21, 2012 Blog

I'll be out and around . Follow this blog for tips, photos, food reviews and more!

8 p.m.—The Moods were great

5 p.m.—

"What's the most popular section of books?" I ask one of the library personnel in the book-sale room.

"Yes," he says.

There are a TON of great books, in mint condition for sale at bargain prices—and they all go quickly.

Tip #3: The library book sale started at 5 p.m. The first hour or two on, they let maybe 70 people in at time, if I understand it right. But after that, you can pretty much come on in. Get here soon to get the best choices.

The sale goes until 9 p.m. Thursday, then is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. 

3 p.m.

COMING UP:

5 p.m.-9 p.m.: The annual . People already are lining up, and you probably should have been here earlier to get a number for first admittance. The book sale has gotten to be a big deal and a Swedish Days tradition.

6:30 p.m.—Battle of the Bands Winner, at Central Stage, in front of the Courthouse on Third Street.

7:30 p.m.—The Moods. This group is supposed to be really good.

1 p.m. —Lunch (dueling pastas)

Food Review #1: When you think of "Swedish Days," you generally don't think about the pasta. But I did, after getting a Facebook recommendation for the Garlic Crab at the food booth at the southeast corner of Third and Campbell. I've had it in past years, and this was as good as I remembered it. Tri-color pasta with crab meat. Delicious. Score: 4.5 stars on the (5-point) SD "taste" meter.

Food Review #2: Although delectable, the Garlic Crab didn't quite fill me, so I thought I'd take a few steps south and try the food booth's Tortellini Abbruzese. My only mistake was trying to do the two back-to-back. This dish will fill you up, and is more than enough for lunch. It's also amazing. Cheese tortellini with a spicy meat sauce that's out of this world. Two completely different dishes in this battle of the pastas, and I have to call it a draw in overall experience. Score: 4.5 on the Svenska Gastrodagarna meter. (Photos of both are attached.)

Tip #2: Beat the heat and traffic by coming early. I know I'm being redundant, but it was very pleasant being outside.

10 a.m.—Geneva Settler's Coffee

The is one of the best parts of Swedish Days, where longtime residents of Geneva gather for breakfast, conversation and reminiscing at the Geneva Golf Club.

Gossip: Geneva Settler's Coffee master of ceremonies Mayor Kevin Burns announced that he and a female friend are going to purchase the VanThournout house. I'm guessing that's the longtime home of the late , the Geneva banker and community leader. 

News Flash: Burns said in the 302 West buidling (former State Bank) at Third and State streets are hoping to open "next Thursday," which I assume means a week from today. Burns said the three young men who are opening the upscale pub and live-music venue have done a fantastic job with the interior remodelling, including restoring the bank's original ceiling.

Tidbits: The winners of the "most years in Geneva" awards at Thursday's Genea Settler's Coffee were Teresa Sills, Sally Gossman and Helen Babian.

A lot of fun conversation about Horn Steel, whose beams are found in City Hall and a lot of Geneva homes; the Little Yankee Preschool; Geneva teachers, including Gib Thostenson and Roger Parazaider; Robert's Drive-In (where Duke and Lee's gas station is today and was "the place to go after football games"); Wayne's Drug Store and lime Rickeys; Viking Office Supply and much more.

Coming Up: Thirty-plus photos from the Geneva Settler's Coffee. (I'm having some upload issues, so it will be a bit later. :)

I'm at . I need a lunch suggestion.

Tip #1: Get to the early for sign-up for the annual . Numbers for first admittance are distributed starting at 9 a.m. for the sale that goes from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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Weather: Thunderstorms possible before 10 a.m., then gradual clearing, with a high near 84. National Weather Service forecast for Geneva, IL. 41.88°N

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