Geneva Garage Sale Canceled, But Swedish Days To Return Virtually

GENEVA, IL — Officials from the Geneva Chamber of Commerce have called off the Citywide Garage Sale amid the coronavirus pandemic, but they’ve offered residents something to look forward to by announcing a slate of virtual events to celebrate the city’s previously canceled Swedish Days Festival.

The garage sale was postponed from April to August due to health and safety concerns, but the chamber has now cancelled the event.

"The health and safety of our sellers and shoppers is of top concern, and we did not feel it was appropriate to continue the sale in 2020," said Laura Rush, communications manager for the chamber.

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Though chamber officials canceled the event, they pledged to reevaluate the cancellation if it becomes possible to hold later in the year.

On the same day they canceled the Citywide Garage Sale, chamber officials announced they are brining back the Swedish Days Festival in a virtual format. The chamber posted a schedule of virtual events that residents can do from Thursday to Sunday to celebrate the annual festival. The schedule of events includes virtual tours, live book discussions and readings, concerts, and performances.

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The Geneva Chamber of Commerce is selling shirts that read "Swedish Days 2020 … NOPE!" for $14 each on its website, and proceeds will be given to nonprofit food booths that were set to be vendors at the festival this summer.

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"We recognize that for our nonprofits, their food booths during Swedish Days is one of their largest fundraisers," Rush said. "All of these organizations benefit so many others and since we are not able to enjoy their delicacies in person, we feel this is a wonderful way to support them."

The chamber has also created Swedish Days boxes filled with Swedish treats and items to support local businesses.