There was a great turnout for the inaugural Good Harbor Hill “Block Party” in September. The event was initiated by Carin Gulstrand and Dick Powell as a way for the neighbors to get to know one another. By all reports, a good time was had by all.
At the initiative of co-conspirators Carin Gulstrand and Dick Powell, invitations went out to residents of the Good Harbor Hill area of Grand Marais to gather and celebrate at the old schoolhouse site, at the corner of County roads 44 and 42, Saturday, September 15.
In spite of threatening weather, Mother Nature obliged with a sunny afternoon and radiant sunset. Grounds were prepared, tables, grills, coolers and even a fire pit awaited in anticipation of the crowd that was sure to arrive.
And astonishingly, arrive they did. Young and old, permanent and seasonal folk, by car, ATV, bicycle and many on foot. Old friends, new arrivals and some who just wandered through wondering why a county road was blocked off and a party was erupting. All were welcome to put the daily grind aside and meet their neighbors.
The food was excellent, camaraderie was warming, and exchange of thoughts of another summer almost past, quite endearing.
Photos from the Historical Society highlighted the good old days and loss of farm and field to the present day prolific forest. But locally grown food, we heard, is not totally a thing of the past. Attendees shared exploits of this year’s gardening successes, chicken farming battles and even the possibility of grass-fed local beef in the coming future. Most pleasant to see was the substantial number of new generation Harbor Hillers frolicking in the great outdoors with their Frisbees, balloons and games. Good job to all those of the parental persuasion.
As the evening wound down to a close around the fire pit, the hardy lingered to float ideas for what is sure to be next year’s better and grander event. Thanks to all contributors and participants and see you all in 2013, God willing and the creek don’t rise.
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