The 43rd annual Julefest will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais on Saturday, Dec. 9.
Julefest is Bethlehem’s variation of the celebrations held across Scandinavia to remember St. Lucia, a young woman in ancient times who brought food to the poor. Early on the morning of December 13, the shortest day of the year according to the Julian calendar, the oldest daughter of the house dons a crown of fresh greens and glowing candles and serves her family coffee and saffron buns, bringing sustenance and light to the household on one of the darkest days of the year.
Bethlehem’s Julefest festivities will begin at 1 p.m. with the opening of the bake sale of homemade traditional Scandinavian Christmas breads, pastries, and cookies from some of the best cooks in the county. Upstairs in the social hall, Julefest guests will be able to enjoy coffee and conversation as they sample rommegrot, rice pudding, krumkake, sandbakkels, kransekake and other delicacies amid the colorful Scandinavian holiday decorations.
At 2 p.m. there will be a short program presenting the 2017 St. Lucia and her court as well as special music, carol singing, and the drawing for raffle items donated by local businesses and individuals. All are invited to come to Bethlehem on Saturday, December 9 to enjoy a delicious and festive start to the Christmas season. Questions call (218) 387-2227 or blc@boreal.org
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