What Happened?
Beaver Lake Celebrates Midsummer!
The Beaver Lake Sports & Cultural Club ushered in the summer season with good food, great music and beautiful art work at its annual Juhannus Midsummer Celebration held this past weekend.
The Club opened its doors Friday evening, welcoming all to a hot cup of coffee and some Finnish bun, and a first look at this year’s art exhibit. Local artists included: Donna Autio, Irene Fabianiak, Greta Harju, Debra-Lynn Ireland, Jean and John Kulmala, Eugene Lahti, Leena and Robert Luopa, Pat Nauha, and Suzzanne Wirtanen. Subject matter ranged from landscapes to wildlife to portraiture. The Club was pleased to have the opportunity to show a 1930 oil painting by Oscar Mustikkamaki, which depicted the club in its original state as the Beaver Lake schoolhouse.
On Saturday afternoon the Club was filled with the enchanting music of the Iona Reed Trio, which drew couples from their seats and onto the dance floor. Traditional Finnish sandwiches and coffee were served. People were especially pleased with the salt salmon sandwiches, as well as the ‘sima’, a Finnish beverage brewed by Eija Hietaharju of Beaver Lake.
Sunday morning saw the largest crowd of hungry guests, who lined up for our famous Finnish pancake breakfast. Besides the local crowd, several out-of-town guests, who attended the Sudbury Finnish Grand Festival, made a special trip to visit our club. After eating, guests visited with old acquaintances, then admired the high calibre of art produced by local artists. In addition, the Club’s permanent collection of historic photos informed viewers of Beaver Lake’s vibrant cultural past.
