|
|
In December 1974, the women of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais hosted their first Julefest, a Scandinavian-inspired celebration of Christmas linked to the congregation’s deep Norwegian and Swedish roots. For more than 45 years the community enjoyed sampling an array of Scandinavian Christmas delicacies while enjoying the songs, stories and St. Lucia Day traditions of Norway and Sweden. However, since the Bethlehem congregation and the larger community have become more diverse, the BLCW have decided it was time to reimagine a new event to usher in the 2022 Christmas season: a Christmas Gift and Bake Sale.
All are welcome as the doors of Bethlehem Lutheran Church (417 5th Av. W.) open to the public on Saturday, December 10th from noon until 2 p.m. for this event. The biggest change to the format of previous years is the addition of the Gift Sale. Community crafters and entrepreneurs are invited to rent table space in the Social Room to display and sell your products. Space is limited, so vendors are asked to contact the Bethlehem Church office (218-387-2227) to reserve table space as soon as possible.
The bake sale featuring Scandinavian delicacies was always a big part of Julefest. With the reinvention of the celebration this year, the selection of homemade Christmas baked goods and candies offered for purchase in the church narthex has been expanded to include many other ethnic Christmas traditions. For a free-will donation you may also enjoy coffee and sweet treats from a selection of delicious offerings upstairs in the Social Hall as you check off items on your gift list and visit with friends and neighbors. Delicious chicken salad croissant sandwiches will also be available as a light lunch option for an additional cost.
Leave a Reply