St. Lucia Day is December 13—the darkest day of the year—but St. Lucia arrived early at Julefest at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on Saturday, December 10. This year’s St. Lucia is MaeAnna LaFavor of Hovland. St. Lucia had three attendants this year—Sarah Toftey, Hannah Toftey and Tarin Hanson. Their arrival at Julefest brings the gift of light in the dark of winter. See more about Julefest on page A4.
For 37 years, Scandinavians—and those who would like to be Scandinavian—have gathered at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais for Julefest. On Saturday, December 10, the fellowship hall was filled once again with the sound of traditional Christmas carols and the scents of the holiday from a table laden with tempting goodies ranging from Kransekaka (Norwegian Wedding Cake) to Sandbakkels and Krumkake.
At yet another table there was rich rice pudding and Romme Grot, a creamy dessert sampled by most only at Julefest.
Along with the food comes the sharing of Christmas memories and a few corny jokes courtesy of emcee David Peterson. Peterson welcomed this year’s Julefest attendees and then invited Pastor Mark Ditmanson to offer grace.
Ditmanson came forward to do so, teasing the crowd, “He didn’t say a short one” and then proceeded to keep his remarks brief, sharing a lovely poem from an old Christmas card and then stating, “Bless this Julefest and its 37 years—and bless the next 37!”
Enjoying the Julefest treats—especially the gingerbread men (pepparkaka)—were Reuben and Greta Youngdahl, who attended Julefest with their grandmother, Cathi Williams. Left: Mildred Thoreson provided music for Julefest. Philis Anderson joined her, playing her oboe for a few Christmas carols.
The highlight of Julefest is the arrival of St. Lucia. Historically St. Lucia Day falls on December 13, the darkest day in the Swedish winter. The date is a bit different for Julefest, held each year on the second Saturday of December, but the rest of the tradition holds and St. Lucia, the “queen of lights,” arrives to bring the promise of longer days.
Mary McElevey announced this year’s St. Lucia—MaeAnna LaFavor, the daughter of Jay and Laura LaFavor of Hovland. MaeAnna entered the hall, wearing the traditional white dress with a crown of pine boughs decorated with seven glowing candles—foretelling the coming of warmer days.
Accompanying St. Lucia were her helpers, Sarah and Hannah Toftey, daughters of Harley and Shele Toftey of Grand Marais and Tarin Hanson, daughter of Teresa Hanson of Grand Marais.
After St. Lucia’s arrival, Mildred Thoreson on piano and Philis Anderson on oboe shared some lovely Christmas tunes.
Then Malin Aseby-Gesch, a dual citizen of the United States and Sweden, shared memories of St. Lucia Day and Christmas in the town she grew up in, bringing laughter when she explained that for Christmas, one day is not enough—her family celebrated for three days. The day before Christmas was a day for treats—for sampling seven kinds of cookies. “No more, no less,” Aseby-Gesch said.
She said Santa came bearing gifts on Christmas day and then on the day after Christmas everyone donned their new Christmas clothes. “That is also the day we eat lutefisk!”
Everyone enjoyed Aseby- Gesch’s recollections, as well as an e-mail message from Jim Johnson, a regular Julefest attendee, who is undergoing medical treatment at Rochester. Johnson shared the story of how his father earned an airplane ride with bush pilot Willard Waters. His father kindly took his 5-year-old son along and Johnson said he greatly enjoyed his first plane ride, as well as Waters’ tales of adventure. “He was my hero!” said Johnson.
However, Johnson said he also remembered the next Christmas, when Santa was to arrive at the community Christmas celebration at the Nor-Shor Theater by plane. The landing by Willard Waters in his Piper Cub was anything but smooth and is now an event that lives on in Cook County legend. The plane bounced on its landing, crashing into the front of the theater building. “The image of that plane crashing into the theater is forever etched in my mind. Not just that it crashed, but that my hero did it!
“It was a good lesson that no one is perfect. It’s a good lesson for any of us, anytime,” wrote Johnson.
There was laughter as more memories were shared and raffle winners were announced. This reporter was the lucky ticket holder for a beautiful plate with rosemaling.
Emcee Peterson wrapped up Julefest with yet another corny joke and with heartfelt thanks to the planners and bakers who host Julefest year after year. A sentiment shared by all the Scandinavians—and those who want to be Scandinavian—in attendance. Tack så mycket and Tusen takk!
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