City celebrates Swedish roots with Midsummer dance

Jourdan Tucker Granados (center) leads Swedish descendants in traditional maypole dancing during the Elgin Swedish Association’s 78th annual Midsummer and Reunion celebration June 19 at SPJST Lodge 18. Historically, the celebration honors the summer solstice, when the sun barely sets in northern Sweden and the “midnight sun” lights up the sky. The event featured guest speaker Dennis Swanberg, musical acts and a Swedish store and bakery. Bloom Mwendo and her children are among the participants dancing.