With the heat index peaking at about 110 during the opening day of Midsommar Festival Swedish Days, more people gravitated toward shady and cool, indoor areas.

“Well, all I could say is people have been (asking), ‘When is it going to get warm?’” said Jean Gaines, president of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce.

The festival is expected to see weather in the high 80s to low 90s the entire week.

“I’m sure some people will be bothered by the heat,” Gaines said. “But there are many people that love this weather.”

Gaines said aside from the weather, opening day went well.

“The setup has been relatively easy,” Gaines said. “That’s always a good sign. Plus, it’s not raining.”

Swedish Days will continue with assorted shopping, Swedish and festival food, carnival rides and music until Sunday, June 28.

The festival will be capped off by a Swedish pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. Saturday, June 27 at Geneva Lutheran Church, 301 S. Third St., and the annual Swedish Days Grand Parade, which will step off at 1 p.m. Sunday.

On the festival’s opening day, the Geneva Republican stepped out into Swedish Days and asked festival-goers what their favorite memories are, how long they’ve been coming and what they’re looking forward to at the event. Check out the photoslideshow to see their responses.