What is better than one St. Lucia to bring light to the darkest winter day? Three young ladies as St. Lucia. (L-R) Sarah Toftey represents Norway, Hannah Toftey represents Sweden and Tarin Hanson represents Finland.
There was something a little different at the 38th annual Julefest at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais on Saturday, December 8. There was lovely music of course and scrumptious Scandinavian goodies. There were corny jokes and happy holiday memories shared. So what was different? It was the traditional arrival of St. Lucia. This year there was not one young lady bringing light to the darkest day, there were three!
Mary McElevey, longtime Julefest organizer, explained that this year there were three young ladies willing to wear the crown of candles; three young ladies looking forward to serving as St. Lucia. So, McElevey said, it was decided to make a change. “Change can be good,” she said with a smile, explaining that the three girls would each represent a different Scandinavian country.
McElevey introduced them then—Tarin Hanson, representing Finland; Sarah Toftey, representing Norway; and Hannah Toftey representing Sweden.
As the girls entered the church Fellowship Hall, McElevey read a poem that describes the characters of St. Lucia using the letters that spell out St. Lucia.
Irene Peterson and her granddaughters enjoyed Julefest, although picking just a few samples of the Scandinavian treats on hand was difficult.
McElevey added, “St. Lucia is a person who helps others, takes good care of herself and is always wearing a smile.”
The girls brightened the hall then, entering with a pot of coffee and sweetbreads, carrying candles and smiling cheerfully. After the traditional song and a few photos, they joined the rest of the audience to enjoy the Scandinavian delicacies— Romme grot, rice pudding, Krumkake, Sandbakkels, Norwegian wedding cake, cardamom toast and more.
The program included wonderful piano music by
Mildred Thoreson and a duet by mother and son Philis
Anderson on oboe and Kent
Anderson on violin.
Nathan Christianson shared some of his
Scandinavian Christmas memories and emcee David
Peterson amused everyone with his usual corny jokes. Peterson also pointed out an item from the Cook County News-Herald—the Grand Marais SuperAmerica sponsored a Julefest float in the Grand Marais Christmas Parade. The float, which featured Lynn Schulte decked out in Scandinavian style and last year’s St. Lucia MaeAnna LaFavor, won first place. Peterson thanked Lynn Schulte for donating the prize of $25 to Julefest.
Pastor Mark Ditmanson was also on hand and he offered a simple blessing, praying, “Thank you for the original St. Lucia—for her bravery, her purity. Thank you for the new St. Lucia. Thank you for reasons to celebrate and for traditions to pass on.”
Leave a Reply