With the sun shining all weekend there was a good turn out to see the boat display on campus. Cedar-strip boat builder Ken Koscik talks to a crowd about his boat on display.
Spectators milling about, interest piqued by multiple displays of finely crafted wooden boats, prescient presentations and demonstrations were overheard saying, “This is one of the best Wooden Boat Shows ever!”
High praise but deserving praise for the folks who put on the 22nd annual Wooden Boat Show and Summer Solstice Festival.
Following the three-day, June 21-23 festival, North House Folk School Director Greg Wright said, “The Wooden Boat Show has become an iconic piece of North House. In the earliest days, the founders wanted to welcome neighbors from near and far onto the campus to at once celebrate the endless waterways of the North and recognize the vibrant community of friends and partners who believed in North House’s hands-on mission.
“From my perspective, this year’s twenty-second annual celebration did this and so much more!”
The Boat Show contra dance is always a rousing good time to welcome the longest day of the year.
North House Folk School Communications & Outreach Manager Carolyn Fritz was effusive in her comments about the people who worked so hard to pull the event together. “A tremendous thank you to all who helped make the 22nd annual Wooden Boat Show & Summer Solstice Festival a huge success!
“With two days of idyllic June North Shore weather, the campus was filled to the brim with craft and boat enthusiasts of all ages. From the 100- plus kids who crafted in the Family Activity area to the 1,000-plus people who came through campus to check out boats or listen to a speaker, we welcomed curious minds from near and far down to campus to celebrate the longest days of the year.”
Some highlights:
. 50+ gallons of chowder devoured during the Lake Superior Chowder Feed. Fritz thanked the following businesses for their generous donation of chowder: Angry Trout Café, Blue Water Café, Cook County Whole Foods Co-op, Dockside Seafood Market, Double D’s Catering, Gunflint Lodge, Lutsen Resort, Wunderbar Eatery & Glampground. And thank you to Beth’s Fudge & Gifts for the fudge!
. Over 15 wooden boats and 12 craft demonstrators dotted the campus, truly bringing craft alive!
. The Solstice Pageant capped off Saturday evening and showcased an incredible array of birds (a soaring eagle and blue heron, just to name a few), dancing blueberries, and of course, the Sun King.
. 120-plus North House members and friends joined us for Sunday morning Fika, a time to participate in conversation and community over an array of tasty treats.
. Featured speaker Douglas Brooks presented to a captive audience on Sunday, where he spoke on Japanese boatbuilding.
. 400-plus auction items were featured in the Boats to Tools Auction.
. This was the 21st annual Summer Solstice Pageant, and over 900 people attended the Saturday night celebration.
“We hope to see you at next year’s Wooden Boat Show, June 19 – 21, 2020. Stop on down to campus anytime — there is always something new to learn or live craft to see,” said Fritz.
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