Rain Won’t Stop Midsummer Celebrations for the Northland’s Finnish Americans

Sampo Beach Lodge was full of Finnish traditions and festivities for the whole family this afternoon

SAGINAW, Minn. — Finnish Americans and friends gathered at Sampo Beach in Saginaw, Minnesota on Saturday to celebrate Juhannas, also known as Midsummer.

A typical Midsummer celebration would involve lots of outdoor games and time spent in the lake. This year, on-and-off rain showers kept the festivities inside. The weather couldn’t stop the fun, with a bake sale, live music, and vihta — or sauna whisk — making.

“It is probably the largest celebration, close to Christmas, in Finland,” said Arlene Putikka Tucker, treasurer for the Finlandia Foundation Northland. “And in Finland it doesn’t get dark at night, so this celebration goes all day and through the night. Lots of huge bonfires that are on the lake. It’s also very much where everybody leaves the city, goes to their small cabins, and just enjoys nature, being with family, being with friends.”

Saturday’s celebration took place at the Sampo Beach Lodge. The campground has a long-standing history with Finnish Americans. Today was not only a celebration of Midsummer, but also the 85th Anniversary of Sampo Beach. It was a multi-generational affair.

“My husband had been coming here and been a member for more than thirty years, so I wanted to be more involved and I became a member of Ladies of Kaleva,” said Kim Juntunen. “I have my granddaughter here and I am introducing her now to the Finnish culture, the Finnish music, the Finnish language, the Finnish food.”

Midsummer is officially on Monday, but the celebrations started early in the Northland. Juntunen says its important to have spaces like Sampo Beach and days like today to celebrate Finnish heritage and culture.