Scandinavian Arts, Bakery, Folklore Offered At Cottages In The Woods

GENEVA, IL — Cross over the white bridge and go up the path to enter a wooded wonderland Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19 and Oct. 20, at historic Good Templar Park’s “Cottages In The Woods.” The woods will be filled with faeries, Scandinavian arts and crafts, Swedish food, folklore and fun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., both days.

“Cottages In The Woods” has established itself as one of the Midwest's premier fall events drawing visitors from all over the Chicago region. Twenty charming Swedish stugas (cottages) from the early 20th century will open their doors showcasing some of the Midwest’s most talented artisans. Artists and vendors will be selling their creations including pottery, woodworking, rosemaling, jewelry, watercolor art, greetings cards, macrame, ornaments, bird feeders, Swittens (mittens), gnomes, Scandinavian decor, vintage, books, honey, natural makeup and more.

Woodland fairies and Tomte (Swedish Santa) will roam the grounds greeting guests. Pick up some baked goods to bring home from the Swedish bakery. Food trucks will be selling concessions. There is also a kids craft station and scavenger hunt.

Good Templar Park is a private park, which only opens the historic cottages to the public a few times a year. Fall is the most beautiful time of all, with leaves of red and gold falling from towering oaks, and offers the perfect fall day trip away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Friends of the Viking Ship will also be offering docent-led tours for a separate admission leaving every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days, of the replica Gokstad viking ship that sailed across the Atlantic and up the St. Lawrence Seaway into Jackson Park during the 1893 Columbian Exposition. Manned by Norwegian sailors and unattended by any other craft, Norway wanted to prove the feasibility of Leif Erikson’s alleged expedition from Norway to the New England coast in 1000 AD. Good Templar Park is the fifth home of this Illinois Landmark. This is your last chance to see the Viking Ship before its packed away for winter storage. Admission is $7 for adults over 18 and $4 for teens, age 13-17. Kids under 12 are free.

"Cottages In The Woods" is a family friendly event. Kids are encouraged to wear fairy wings. Admission to the artisan sale is $10, and can be paid at the gate. Kids under 12 are free. Good Templar Park is located at 628 East Drive, Geneva. For more info visit Good Templar Park.

See who's coming to 'Cottages In The Woods'

Gayle Wright....... Mosaic Garden Stones
Paul VanderWeide ....Fretwork Woodwork
Dan Snyder .....Wood Crafts made from wood in the park
Karen Kloubec....Pottery
Carly Kloubec....Children Hair Bows & Home Decore
Kathy McPartland....Handpainted Dalamaling
Kathy Longo....Vintage
Linda Miller....Vintage
Carrie Heck.......Textile Gnomes & Vikings
Debbie Thompson.....Macrame
Barb Butz......Christmas & Crochet Items
Terri Locke.....Up-cycled Bird-Feeders
Ron Diller.....Wood carvings
Jannette Romero Tee shirts & Bags
Denise Chaikin .......Jewelry
Lisa Tomlinson.....Crochet Items
Tina Druce-Hoffman....Whimsical Art
Carol Frey....Swittens
Lisa Ralston ........Pet Collars & bandanas
Glenna Armesey..... All natural makeup & skincare
Jody Moreen....... Books & Scandinavian items
Illinois Norsk Rosemalers Association
Swedish American Museum
Debbie Anderson Scandinavian Products
Robin Roe......Special Occasion Crafts
Hanan Hall.....Jewelry
Breena Mueller ....Scandinavian arts and crafts
Lori Shemanske Halloween & Chritmas Painted crafts
Elizabeth Waddington........Watercolor Collage Florals
Ellen Greenier-BeVille......Handwoven Fashion Accessories
Tom Liebing.....Hand crafted Therapy Drums
Dave & Sheri Radionoff .....Photography/ Fishing Rods/
Mary Ylisela.......Handmade Soy Candles
Kristy Belton......Handmade Notebooks & Markers
Salty Provisions
Anita Kappra.......Home Decor
JAnet Vallejo ......Artisan Soaps
Intentional Teas
Nonnies Bee's....Honey
Troop 606......Homemade Frozen Cookie Dough