Visiting families came shopping and eating, Swedish and otherwise to walk the streets of Bishop Hill this weekend.
The quiet village that was a Swedish commune in the 19th century comes to life in December for Julmarknad, Swedish for Christmas Market.
A cornerstone of the weekend is the chocolate walk.
Go in to the welcome center and visitors encounter a chocolate smorgasbord, ranging from candy and cookies to fudge.
Volunteers from the community donated their items to be bought by the pound.
Judy Middleton has been involved with the chocolate walk ever since she retired with her husband to Bishop Hill 23 years ago.
She tells WGIL that the village has visitors year round, but there’s a definite boost during the holidays.
“They come because we have the chocolate walk, many people have put that on their calendar,” Middleton says. “Shops are so festive now and it’s just a family tradition for them to come.”
And so many came for chocolate that volunteers had to do an unplanned extra baking last night.
Proceeds go towards other cultural and entertainment events Bishop Hill sponsors through the year.
Midsummer is an all day fest of music and dancing to mark the summer’s longest day and next weekend is Lucia Nights another set of Swedish Christmas traditions.
Julmarknad events are sponsored in parts by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.
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