Finnish American Society of Madison, WI, Inc.

Once again Blue Skies Berry Farm owned by Paul and Louise Maki, with the generous support of the Madison Finnish-American Society, will hold a Juhannus Celebration, also known as a Midsummer Celebration, on Saturday evening June 20. This event is a Potluck event that has brought in from 50 to 200 guests to the farm. Please bring a dish to share.

Guests may arrive after 5 p.m. with dinner being served at approximately 6:30. There is plenty of time for socializing, saunas, farm tours and woods walks along Secret Trail.

As is the tradition in Finland, the sauna is heated and is available for guests. At the top of the hour the gender using the sauna changes. The night is topped off with a bonfire at about 8 p.m., firefly fireworks at 9 p.m. and fireworks at 10:30 p.m.. This event is for kids of all ages. Guests may remain until midnight.

Those wishing to enjoy some time in the Sauna should bring a towel. There are extra towels on hand, but the supply is limited.

Freshly brewed raspberry beer will be provided by Zymurgy Outfitters of Oregon as well as Maki's 2008 vintage grape wine.
Music will be provided by folk musicians Jim and Helen Malosh. Jim is anticipating some guest musicians to join them on the stage this year.

Paul asks whether there are any singers in our group. He says: "I'm trying to put more spin into this year's Juhannus and would like a small group of Finns to do a little singing of traditional songs.... somewhat like we did when the Kilpelas were visiting from Upper Michigan. Do we have anyone (preferably a small group) to do two or three traditional songs? We'd need to get the music for Jim Malosh." I am sure that several of our members have talent in this area, but I just don't know who. If this is you, please speak up (and contact Paul).

For the past two years the Madison Oak Apple Morris Dancers have provided a fabulous demonstration of Medieval frolicking and dancing. We are hoping they have scheduled us for this year.

A $5 donation will be appreciated, per car or individual if you are not a member of the Finnish American Society.

Parking is along the road, or to the rear of the property along the abandoned railroad right of way. Those who cannot walk distances may park in our driveway and yard.

In the event of rain, the rain date will be the next night, Sunday,June 21, at the same time. There will provide a phone message, 608-455-2803, if the weather is questionable. For emergency directions call either Paul or Louise directly on their cell phones: 608-335-7820 or 608-335-7825. If you or someone you know needs a ride, please call Carol at 608-219-4355.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

*Introductions and flag raising at 6:30.
*Dinner line ups in the driveway at that time. Music by Jim at that point.
*Ongoing Sauna times same as last year.
*Ongoing Nature walks for kids every 30 minutes for kids to collect 7 flowers for head dress. *Roughly 7:30 Juhannus pole decorating and raising. And Finnish song singing.
*This will be followed by Morris Dancers.
*This will be followed by Dancing time and cross over of music to the local band Black Sheep (along with Jim Malosh).
*Bon fire lighting at at 8:30ish. Marshmallow roast and general listening to music and continued whatever. *9ish will be the firefly rising in the berry field --- ie nature's fireworks and a short mention that this is a special time.
*10:15ish fireworks.

Directions from Madison: Blue Skies Berry Farm is located 16 miles south of Madison's Beltline Highway, just off of US 14, between Oregon and Evansville. When you arrive at Union, turn West (right) at the Union Tavern onto West Union Road and follow it about 1.5 miles until it ends. Then turn left on Crocker Road and drive 500 feet ahead. The farm is on the left. Please park your vehicles on the sides of the road, unless you are unable to walk very far. Address: Blue Skies Berry Farm, 10320 N. Crocker Road, Brooklyn, WI