Finnish Ambassador celebrating Juhannus locally

By IAN MINIELLY

iminielly@yourdailyglobe.com

Bruce Crossing — Finnish Ambassador Kirsti Kauppi is coming to Bruce Crossing Sunday for the third day of Juhannus 2017, a three day celebration of midsummer. Friday starts the fun in Askel, Baraga County. Saturday the party is moving to Hancock on the Finlandia University campus, where Kauppi will raise the Finnish flag near the midsummer pole, or Juhannussalko.

Sunday in Bruce Crossing, the Settler’s Co-operative becomes ground zero for Juhannus and is scheduled to show a premier of a documentary film at 4 p.m., discussing the Co-Op’s history. Kristin Ojaniemi, a Bruce Crossing native, has spent several months producing the film, which included a trip to Finland.

The film is being shown in the VFW hall across the street from the Co-op. Following the film, a dance is scheduled to wrap up the festival with FinnFolk providing music. In addition to Finland celebrating its centennial, the Co-op is also celebrating 100 years as gas station, propane dealer, feed shop, grocery store, and community gathering spot.