ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT | Parade Marshal Announced for Geneva's Swedish Days
- Apr 24, 2017
- 2 min read
GENEVA–The Viking Service Organization and Geneva Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce that Lynn Landberg has been named 2017 Swedish Days Parade Marshal.
“Wow. I never expected this. I’m really honored to be in the company of so many great Genevans who have served as honorary parade marshals in the past. I want to thank the Chamber of Commerce for this opportunity,” stated Landberg.
Landberg is a life-long Geneva resident. He was the fourth generation to go through the Geneva school system, finishing at Geneva High School in 1962. After graduating with a Communications degree from the University of Illinois, he wrote for several trade publications. In 2003, after 30 years, he retired from Reed Business Information as editor of Construction Equipment magazine.
Raising a family in Geneva was always a given for Landberg. Marrying his high-school sweetheart, they raised their family in the same home for 45 years. During that time Landberg was active in school PTO’s and Booster Clubs. Later his writing prowess was utilized, contributing to a Geneva High School alumni newsletter in the early 2000s.
“I grew up in Geneva, as did my parents and many other relatives who went to Geneva schools, and, along with my wife Vicky, who also grew up here, raised our kids here. This is home, the only one I’ve known, and I’ve always given Geneva my full support, and wanted to do what I could to do my part in making it the great community it is.”
In the 70s Geneva Mayor, Bert Wood, appointed him to the Economic Development Committee, working on the formation of the first TIF district. In 1979, Mayor Wood then appointed him to the Plan Commission, where he served for six years. In 1985, at the urging of his father, he ran and won the City Clerk position, serving two terms. His father, Harold Landberg, had served as City Clerk in the 60s. In 2005, he ran again for City Clerk and after a combined 20 years on the City Council, retired this year.
In addition to his civic contributions, the Geneva History Museum has been fortunate to be a recipient of Landberg’s volunteerism and Geneva knowledge. This year marks twelve years that he has worked the front desk, told stories of growing up in Geneva to be preserved, assisted with mailings and welcomed visitors to Geneva History Museum and Geneva.
“I’m a modest guy, and never considered myself a frontline mover or shaker, but felt that I could best serve Geneva working behind the scenes – helping where I could, but staying out of the limelight,” says Landberg.
Landberg’s hometown pride will shine brightly as he leads the 2017 Swedish Days Grand Parade on June 25.
“I can’t believe that I’m getting recognition like this. It’s humbling.”
Swedish Days Festival supported by Northwestern Medicine runs June 20-25. For more information visit http://www.genevachamber.com/swedish_days.php. Brochures will be available around Geneva beginning of June.
