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June 17-19 will be an exciting weekend on the campus of North House Folk School. The Wooden Boat Show, a tradition that began the same year as the folk school, returns to the Grand Marais harbor for the 25th year. “This event is always a celebration we look forward to at North House,” remarks Executive Director Greg Wright. “North House is all about people, and we are looking forward to welcoming friends and family from Cook County, Grand Portage, and around the region. Some highlights include: Friday night’s kickoff with a BBQ benefitting the Grand Marais Lions Club, featuring live music and free pie; Saturday’s Chowder Feed fundraiser for Empty Bowls featuring delicious soups from 10+ restaurants; and the famed Summer Solstice Pageant Saturday night—please make plans to join us.”
There will be a wide variety of activities throughout the weekend. “There will be something for everyone, and all are welcome to join the fun!” said Program Manager Sarah Beggs. “We will host free drop-in family craft activities Noon to 5pm on Friday and 10am-4pm on Saturday, great for kids aged 2-102, and we also have live craft demonstrations that cover everything from boat building to rope making and weaving to wood bowl turning.”
North House is also excited to work with some local partners on this year’s event. The Community Open House and Pie Social is on Friday, June 17 from 5-7 p.m. Folks are welcome to bring their own picnic fare to enjoy on the commons, and the Grand Marais Lions Club will be there with bratwurst and other traditional BBQ fare for purchase. Everyone can enjoy free pie from the Blue Water Café, too!
Saturday, June 18, Noon-1pm marks the return of the annual Lake Superior Chowder Experience, with all proceeds benefiting Empty Bowls Cook County. This Wooden Boat Show tradition brings together chowders from several North Shore restaurants and fresh-baked bread from the North House ovens. It is $15 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under, and all proceeds go to Empty Bowls Cook County. Share food, stories, and sunshine, all for great causes!
After a two-year absence, the Summer Solstice Pageant returns to the Wooden Boat Show! The Good Harbor Hill Players and GAMEPALAJ the band present The Greatest Show is Earth: A Wondrous Wilderness Circus! Hand-made puppets, live musical accompaniment, and more. It is truly a show you’re unlikely to forget. Come welcome the Sun King’s return as another summer begins!
“The best part of birthdays is sharing stories,” said Wright. “This year’s Featured Presentation on Sunday, June 19 will have lots of them from the earliest days of North House.” School founders Mark Hansen and Tom Healy, as well as founding board member Tim Cochrane will have a conversation recounting the beginning of the folk school. “We are so excited to host this talk. It’s going to feel like a family reunion bringing all the generations of North House’s past, present, and future, together on the campus commons,” Wright added.
There will be many Wooden Boat Show traditions to enjoy, rows of handmade and unique watercraft, a speaker series—including a talk from local commercial fishermen Eric Brisson and Tyler Smith, an evening contra dance, the Boats-to-Tools Auction, live music, opportunities to sail on the schooner Hjørdis, and more! There’s a bit of everything during the Wooden Boat Show and Summer Solstice Pageant. Be inspired by the stories and talents of artisans, boatbuilders, and visiting friends. Join us as we welcome the summer season in the best way possible: talking boats, celebrating community, and hanging out on the shores of Lake Superior. See all of the event details and a full schedule at northhouse.org.
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