Juhannus 2018 to feature folk music, dance, workshops, farmers' markets, more June 23-24

Members of the Finnish folk band Jepokryddona, "The Spice Girls of Finland," will participate in the Juhannus 2018 Festival weekend, offering folk music and dance workshops on Saturday, June 23, in Hancock, and a concert June 24 in Jacobsville. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

HANCOCK -- Juhannus 2018 is underway! Finnish American Folk School is hosting a Juhannus weekend festival that is celebrating Finnish heritage and the communities in Hancock, Toivola and Jacobsville. The Finnish folk band Jepokryddona, "The Spice Girls of Finland," will headline the area’s Juhannus celebration.

The Juhannus festival includes several folk workshops, a Midsummer pole ceremony, and folk dancing and folk music workshops. And of course, traditional lighting of the Juhannus kokko (bonfire) will take place at Agate beach in Toivola Saturday, June 23.

On Sunday, June 24, as a grand finale of the celebrations, Jepokryddona will hold a concert in Jacobsville Chapel. As their name suggests, their music is spicy, lively and full of temperament.

Here is the schedule for Saturday and Sunday, June 23-24:

Saturday, June 23:

 9 a.m. -- Jouhikko building class continued; completion of this class entitles students to seat in the jouhikko playing workshop later today.

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. -- Tori+, Quincy Green, Hancock. Tori+ brings Farmer’s Market/Arts and Crafts fair to Quincy Green in festival atmosphere. Sponsored by Copper Country Community Arts Center. The regular weekly Tori will also be open at this time in their regular location on Quincy Green.

11 a.m. -- Midsummer pole ceremony, Quincy Green, Hancock. Program includes demonstration by Jepokryddona.

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. -- Minuet dance workshop by Jepokryddona, Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock. Participants to process in to FAHC following demonstration on Quincy Green. $10 per person/$15 per couple.

4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. -- Folk music workshop with Jepokryddona, at Misery Bay School, Toivola. $10 per person.

5:30-6:30 p.m. -- Jouhikko playing workshop with Clare Zuraw, at Misery Bay School, Toivola. $10 per person, unless enrolled in jouhikko building workshop.

7 p.m.-9 p.m. -- Evening dance with music by Jepokryddona, Agate Beach, Toivola.

9 p.m. -- Lighting of the Juhannus kokko, Agate Beach, Toivola.

Sunday, June 24:

2 p.m. -- Concert by Jepokryddona, Jacobsville Chapel, Jacobsville. Come as you are, pay as you can.

To register for workshops, call (906) 487-7549. All events subject to change.