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Holiday Shopping the Swedish Way
A popular holiday shopping alternative steeped in Swedish tradition returns this weekend in Henry County.

The community of Bishop Hill near Galva is once again hosting its annual Swedish Christmas market called "Julmarknad" this weekend and next.

Bishop Hill State Historic Site Administrator Martha Downey tells WGIL "Julmarknad" in Bishop Hill is patterned after Swedish culture.

"In Sweden, they will have these Christmas markets, traditionally, where artisans come in and sell their wares," Downey said. "It's our understanding that they were kind of open-air markets."

Downey tells WGIL while there won't be any open-air markets, you can expect to see plenty of Swedish traditions around the village as you visit the local shops indoors.

"We'll have our Swedish folk characters running around, roaming the village -- the 'Julebok,' as well as the 'Tomte,' who are actually good luck, but they can be a little bit mischevious," said Downey.

In addition to the markets, Downey says this weekend will feature a Christmas Cookie Walk on Saturday and Sunday, with a Chocolate walk next Saturday and Sunday.

There will be visits with Santa Claus Saturday from 11 to 2 as well.
11 23 12 by Newsroom
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