Circus Juventas performs another holiday show, sure to stir up emotions of awe!
…
Circus Juventas puts their signature high-flying spin on the season in A Hygge Holiday, (pronounced hoo-gah), which will transport audiences to the beautiful and bewitching North Woods and leave them exhilarated by soaring acrobatics and dazzling artistry. This marks the fourth annual holiday presentation by the acclaimed youth circus, whose performances regularly sell out.
The 70-minute show, which runs without intermission, tells the story of a group of young people headed for a cozy weekend in the woods, who stumble into a holiday haven of mystery and magic. This production of A Hygge Holiday marks the first Circus Juventas production presented under the new leadership of Rachel Butler Norris and Rob Dawson. Butler Norris is the daughter of Circus Juventas co- founders Dan and Elizabeth “Betty” Butler. She literally grew up in the circus, progressing from child performer to coach. She steps into the role of artistic director, formerly held by her mother. Dawson gained his circus acumen with Cirque du Soleil as an aerialist and head coach. He will serve as the organization’s executive director, formerly held by Dan Butler. The Butlers stepped down from their leadership roles earlier this year but continue to support the organization from their hometown of Sarasota, Fla. During their 30-year tenure, the Butlers grew Circus Juventas from a small after school program to an internationally recognized circus arts program, training more than 2,000 young people in nouveau circus arts each year. Many graduates of the program have gone on to professional careers utilizing the circus skills they learned from the Butlers and their team of internationally renowned coaches.
Rows of Christmas trees awaiting sale are seen at Brewery Hill Christmas Tree Farm on Tuesday in Le Sueur, Minn.
Kerem Yücel | MPR News
…
Christmas tree growers anticipate healthy demand despite drought challenges.
…
MPR: Minnesota’s Christmas tree farms are busier than ever getting ready to sell their harvest to the public. The demand for live trees remains strong despite much of the state suffering repeated droughts during the last several years. With evergreen scent wafting around him, Brewery Hill Christmas Tree Farm owner Scott Wilson prepared his sales lot in rural Le Sueur, Minn. There are piles of handmade wreaths. There’s also some decorated porch pots. Nothing from the trees goes to waste. He points to the trees he expects to be the season’s best sellers. “You have Fraser fir, you have Balsam fir, you have Canaan fir. But fir is the king tree right now,” he says.
…
Scott Wilson, owner of the Brewery Hill farm poses for a portrait at Brewery Hill Christmas Tree Farm on Tuesday in Le Sueur, Minn.
Kerem Yücel | MPR News
…
Wilson unhitched his trailer and hopped into his work truck. Driving through the property, he points out the nearby Minnesota River. The trees stand in orderly rows, stretching across the gentle hillsides. He says they sometimes have problems with deer, munching on the low branches “like candy.”
When Wilson and his father started the farm in 1981, it was all cropland. Back then, they planted Scotch pines during the early start of their Christmas tree venture.
“Now, hardly anybody wants a pine,” he said. “So, that’s how you gotta remember. It’s eight years to a harvest. So you plant something that nobody’s gonna want. That’s kind of a wasted eight years.”
…
Rows of Christmas trees awaiting sale are seen at Brewery Hill Christmas Tree Farm on Tuesday in Le Sueur, Minn.
Kerem Yücel | MPR News
…
Young saplings are especially vulnerable to disease and extreme weather conditions, including drought.
But, Wilson embraces the climate’s unpredictability and challenge as he works his family’s farm.
“It’s all about nature, it’s all about life,” he said. “And you get to enjoy that natural resource as long as you can, while you can. And, it gives back some wealth of income along the way.”
The six inches of rainfall in September helped their trees recover from the most recent drought. Wilson said they experienced much worse during the severe droughts in 1988 and 1989.
“I lost everything,” he said. “Everything died in those years. So, the last two years have been bad, but not as bad as they could be. As far as our trees that we have, and you can see them out here in the lot, the colors are beautiful.”
…
Pine and spruce branches are seen at Brewery Hill Christmas Tree Farm on Tuesday in Le Sueur, Minn.
Kerem Yücel | MPR News
…
Unusual drought conditions, increasing demands
While Minnesota is slowly recovering, the accumulated rain deficits are between eight to 15 inches below normal in the southern parts of the state over the last three years.
Trees take two to four years to recover from droughts. Luigi Romolo, state climatologist with the Minnesota DNR, said it’s unclear why droughts are developing more often and more severely. He also said that a slow spring melt in March and April will be needed in order to recharge soils for planting season.
“We’ve just had a little bit of bad luck these last few years,” Romolo said. “We’re hoping that things will turn around and we’ll get back into a normal pattern. But, until that happens, we’re just going to have to endure with what we’re experiencing.”
The drought hit the agricultural industry especially hard. Farmers spent more on irrigation. Romolo said it’s possible that Christmas tree prices might increase and inventory might vary.
…
Rows of Christmas trees awaiting sale are seen at Brewery Hill Christmas Tree Farm on Tuesday in Le Sueur, Minn.
Kerem Yücel | MPR News
…
“Drought is a natural part of our climate,” he said. “But, there’s nothing natural about what we’ve been experiencing in the last three years.”
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for live Christmas trees outpaced the supply. Ben Wolcyn, president of the Minnesota Christmas Tree Association, said he and many other farms dipped into their inventories during those years.
He said Wolcyn Tree Farms and Nursery in Cambridge, Minn., plants two to three trees for every tree they harvest. Wolcyn said in order to restock they’re ramping up production. This season, they’ll harvest around 25,000 Christmas trees, and next spring, they’ll plant about 80,000.
“We had to do a lot of managing, but it’s been a good thing for our industry,” Wolcyn said. “For a lot of families to experience having a real tree for the first time, hopefully it’s a tradition that they’ll continue going into the future.”
Woclyn said people wanting to buy a live tree should do some planning and know the tree they pick out at a lot might be a different size or species depending on when and where they go.
…
Freshly cut Christmas trees stand awaiting sale at Brewery Hill Christmas Tree Farm on Tuesday in Le Sueur, Minn.
Kerem Yücel | MPR News
…
“Just be adaptable,” he said. “There’s plenty of trees for everyone. We are very humbled by the fact that we get to provide the centerpiece to a lot of families’ Christmas celebrations. It’s not something we take lightly.”
This demand for live Christmas trees also means the industry also continues to adapt to the changing climate. Whether that’s planting more drought-resilient trees, planting cover crops in between rows, or running programs that rent out trees for a week and replanting them in the spring.
There’s a lot of dialogue happening in the holiday greenery industry, Wolcyn said. Drought is a challenge, but he doesn’t see it entirely as a negative.
“I actually get excited when I hear about drought because that means we’re growing a real product,” he said. “We’re not in a lab or in a manufacturing plant. We’re producing something. We’re out in God’s creation, and experiencing the challenges of that. But with that comes something that’s real. That’s what we have.”
…
Rows of Christmas trees awaiting sale are seen at Brewery Hill Christmas Tree Farm on Tuesday in Le Sueur, Minn.
Kerem Yücel | MPR News
…
Generations of holiday spirit and tradition
Christmas tree farms are often operated by generations of families. That’s how it is at Brewery Hill Christmas Tree Farm in Le Sueur.
Scott Wilson stopped by his late wife Mary’s grave underneath a big oak tree on the property, now called “The Proposal Tree.”
It’s the same spot where Wilson asked her to marry him on her birthday decades ago. It’s become a popular spot for other couple’s proposals in the years since.
Wilson said had no idea the farm would grow into the operation that it is today, with new generations of his family helping during the holidays.
…
A proposal space under a Bur Oak tree, where Brewery Hill Christmas Tree Farm owner Scott Wilson proposed to his wife, Mary Jean Haus in 1980, has now become a famous proposal spot.
Kerem Yücel | MPR News
…
“All my kids are part of the process and without them, I couldn’t do it,” Wilson said. “They give up their time and they have jobs, yet where’s the family? Our family comes together here big time and we’re doing things together … my heart is full with that.”
Meanwhile, it’s business as usual for Brewery Hill. Wilson’s already opening up for business this weekend.
He’s ready for another season of welcoming families into his farm for the holidays and keeping traditions alive.
“Sometimes I have to actually tell myself just how fortunate I am, in the end to grow things and stuff like that and have the beauty of it,” Wilson said. “I am pretty blessed when it comes to a lot of stuff, and I don’t take that for granted.”
Step into the world of wreath crafting and porch pot making!
Discover the art of designing stunning, seasonal wreaths and pots that will adorn your home with warmth and beauty. Our workshops are a gateway to creating the perfect decorative piece for every season.
…
How it works…
– Expert Instruction: Our experienced floral instructors will guide you through the process, sharing tips and techniques for creating beautiful wreaths.
– Seasonal Selection: Work with an array of seasonal greens, florals, and decorative elements that capture the essence of the time of year.
– Hands-On Creativity: Dive into the world of wreath design as you craft your very own personalized masterpiece.
– Personal Touch: Tailor your wreath or porch pot to your unique style and the specific season you’re celebrating.
– Heartwarming Atmosphere: Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow floral enthusiasts in a cozy and inviting setting.
Whether you’re looking to adorn your front door with a welcoming wreath, create a beautiful porch arrangement, or give the gift of handmade decor, our Workshop is the perfect choice.
…
…
Kits…
Wreath Making Design Kit ($85) Level: Easy – Includes farm fresh flowers, our creative guide to DIY design, oasis floral foam, and a small reusable vase.
Porch Pot Design Kit ($135) Level: Intermediate – Includes twice as many farm fresh flowers, design guidance from our Master Florist, oasis floral foam, and a large ceramic vase.
*UPGRADE: VIP packages allow guests to arrive 20 minutes early for best pick of the flower bar, one-on-one attention from our Floral Design Master, and a complimentary drink on us.
Join us for an enjoyable and creative experience that combines natural beauty, seasonal charm, and the joy of crafting something truly special. Reserve your spot today and let your creativity flourish!
Groveland Gallery is pleased to announce the opening of “Time Taken,” an exhibit of new paintings by Joshua Cunningham. A Minnesota native from rural Isanti County, Cunningham currently lives and works in St. Paul. He is a member of the Outdoor Painters of Minnesota, Oil Painters of America, and the American Impressionist Society. His work has garnered national attention from Plein Air Magazine and Informed Collector. He was commissioned to create numerous artworks including a major painting to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of The University of St Thomas and has been a frequent Artist in Residence at several art centers as well as the St Croix Watershed Research Station, part of the Science Museum of Minnesota.
…
Cunningham works primarily en plein air, the practice of painting outdoors. He likens finding a subject to being invited into a moment—to Cunningham, each new scene is an invitation to be present, to spend time looking closely, and to connect with the memories that emerge upon returning to a familiar place.
…
The artist explains: “Imagine the anticipation, excitement, and anxiousness of not knowing what you were about to see, but knowing the world was going to offer you something you’d either spend the morning painting or the rest of the day kicking yourself for not taking the time to answer the invitation of light, shadow, and air. On my way to these places, I left trails in the snow, slid down riverbanks, and sunk into a drift of polished pebbles along Lake Superior. I took my time picking my path, crossing a stream, and following hunches down dusty roads, trusting I would end up where I was meant to be so that I could share it with you.”
Cook County is home to one of the darkest skies in the world. Every year, explorers, adventurers, artists and photographers from around the world travel to Cook County to experience the northern lights and night sky. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) has been named as one of only 17 certified International Dark Sky Sanctuaries in the world! And at over a million acres, it is the largest. Help us to celebrate our world-class dark sky at the fifth Dark Sky Festival!
All day long, catch the documentary “Northern Nights, Starry Skies.” A visually stunning celebration of our spectacular starry skies above the world’s largest designated Dark Sky sanctuary. Ojibwe, Dakota cultural astronomers and other experts share the wonders of the heavens. The documentary, which was co-produced by WDSE and Hamline University’s Center for Global Environmental Education, also illuminates ways we can reduce the negative impacts of light pollution.
Make your reservation for the three-course Dark Skies Dinner including Supernova Skewers, Stellar Chicken Parmigiana and Meteor Trail Turnovers. See the menu details and call 218-388-2294 to make your reservation.
7 P.M. | DARKNESS, AURORA, PHOTOGRAPHY & ASTRONOMY PRESENTATIONS WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM CHIK-WAUK MUSEUM & NATURE CENTER | BOUNDARY WATERS HALL AT GUNFLINT LODGE, GUNFLINT TRAIL
From 7-7:30 p.m., co-chair of Chik-Wauk Dark Sky Committee David Coleman will do a presentation on darkness, the aurora and photography. From 7:30-8 p.m., Chik-Wauk’s campus director Bonnie Schudy will do astronomy presentations using Chik-Wauk’s new 3D panorama screen projection system.
Join the resident naturalists at Gunflint Lodge for a nighttime hike, where you’ll venture up onto the hills and cliffs that overlook Gunflint Lake in order to have a fuller view of the starlit horizon. For this hike you will be provided red flashlights, which do not disrupt the natural light sensitivity of our eyes, allowing you to adjust to the darkness much more quickly upon arriving at the destination. You will also be provided foam padding for stargazers to lay down comfortably while we soak in the sights above. During the hike and after arriving at our stargazing outpost, Gunflint Lodge naturalists will present some interesting stories, legends, and commentary about darkness, night skies, and constellations for your enjoyment. Come along for a once in a lifetime dark sky experience.
Reserve your spot for the guided night hike by calling 218-388-2294.
All day long, catch the documentary “Northern Nights, Starry Skies.” A visually stunning celebration of our spectacular starry skies above the world’s largest designated Dark Sky sanctuary. Ojibwe, Dakota cultural astronomers and other experts share the wonders of the heavens. The documentary, which was co-produced by WDSE and Hamline University’s Center for Global Environmental Education, also illuminates ways we can reduce the negative impacts of light pollution.
From Nov. 17-Dec. 10, experience Dark Skies, an exhibit featuring the artwork of Adam Swanson and Sam Zimmerman.
2-3 P.M. | FOLLOW THE SEASONS-FOLLOW THE STARS WITH JIM KNUTSON-KOLODZNE OF NATIVE SKYWATCHERS PROGRAM | JOHNSON HERITAGE POST ART GALLERY, GRAND MARAIS
A brief overview by Jim Knutson-Kolodzne (Ottawa) of Native Skywatchers Program of the Dakota and Anishinaabe tribal nations of Mni Sota Makoce (Minnesota). Discussions will center on how the moon and stars guided seasonal behavior, celebrations and movements of native people on Mother earth.
3-4 P.M. | SKYGLOW, SATELLITES AND SPACE JUNK: THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE NIGHT SKY WITH JESSICA HEIM | JOHNSON HERITAGE POST ART GALLERY, GRAND MARAIS
For millennia, humans have observed the heavens: the night sky has been and continues to be important to people in cultures across the world. However, the skies are transforming before our eyes. Light pollution – wasted light going up into the sky – is washing out our view of the stars. Many people can no longer see the Milky Way from where they live, and light pollution is growing at an increasing rate.
Meanwhile, rapidly increasing numbers of satellites stand to irrevocably alter our view of the cosmos, with marked impacts on professional astronomers, living cultural traditions, and casual stargazers alike. This presentation by cultural astronomer Jessica Heim of Native Skywatchers will discuss these emerging changes to our night sky, as well as giving an overview of efforts underway to help address these challenges.
Make your reservation for the three-course Dark Skies Dinner including Meteorite Crostini, Dark Skies Bourguignon and Black Forest Cake. See the menu details and call 218-388-2294 to make your reservation.
There’s limited space, so sign up now to join the stargazing party with night vision monoculars! The group will meet up the Gunflint Trail some, so the light pollution should be relatively low, the illumination from the moon won’t be terrible, and hopefully the skies clear! $60 per person – sign up here.
Travis Novitsky will be doing a short (20-25 min) reading of some passages from his new book “Spirits Dancing: The Night Sky, Indigenous Knowledge, & Living Connections to the Cosmos”
Meet Grand Portage-based astrophotographer Travis Novitsky and get a copy of his new book “Spirits Dancing: The Night Sky, Indigenous Knowledge, & Living Connections to the Cosmos” signed.
7 P.M. | STELLARIUM: TRACKING THE HEAVENS, PRESVIOUSLY, NOW, OR IN THE FUTURE WITH EMMA ADAMS | BOUNDARY WATERS HALL AT GUNFLINT LODGE, GUNFLINT TRAIL
Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center Dark Sky Committee Co-Chair Emma Adams will do a presentation using Stellarium and show segements of the documentary “Northern Nights, Starry Skies.”
Join the resident naturalists at Gunflint Lodge for a nighttime hike, where you’ll venture up onto the hills and cliffs that overlook Gunflint Lake in order to have a fuller view of the starlit horizon. For this hike you will be provided red flashlights, which do not disrupt the natural light sensitivity of our eyes, allowing you to adjust to the darkness much more quickly upon arriving at the destination. You will also be provided foam padding for stargazers to lay down comfortably while we soak in the sights above. During the hike and after arriving at our stargazing outpost, Gunflint Lodge naturalists will present some interesting stories, legends, and commentary about darkness, night skies, and constellations for your enjoyment. Come along for a once in a lifetime dark sky experience.
Reserve your spot for the guided night hike by calling 218-388-2294.
All day long, catch the documentary “Northern Nights, Starry Skies.” A visually stunning celebration of our spectacular starry skies above the world’s largest designated Dark Sky sanctuary. Ojibwe, Dakota cultural astronomers and other experts share the wonders of the heavens. The documentary, which was co-produced by WDSE and Hamline University’s Center for Global Environmental Education, also illuminates ways we can reduce the negative impacts of light pollution.
From Nov. 17-Dec. 10, experience Dark Skies, an exhibit featuring the artwork of Adam Swanson and Sam Zimmerman.
11 A.M. -12:30 P.M. | BOOK SIGNING AND MEET & GREET WITH PAUL BOGARD | DRURY LANE BOOKS, GRAND MARAIS
Meet author Paul Bogard, author of “The End of Night: Searching for Natural Darkness in an Age of Artificial Light,” and get a copy of his book signed.
2 P.M. | DARK SKY DESIGNATED PLACES AND WHY THEY ARE IMPORTANT WITH CAROLINE TORKILDSON | JOHNSON HERITAGE POST ART GALLERY, GRAND MARAIS
Caroline Torkildson with Starry Skies North, the Minnesota chapter of DarkSky International, will present the videos “Protecting Dark Skies” and “Dark Sacred Night” and discuss what a Dark Sky Sanctuary designation means and what dark sky communities are.
4 P.M. | IS IT THE END OF NIGHT? WITH PAUL BOGARD | STUDIO 21, GRAND MARAIS
A starry night is one of nature’s most magical wonders. Yet in our artificially lit world, most of us no longer experience true darkness. In this talk based on his critically acclaimed book THE END OF NIGHT, Paul Bogard seeks to restore our awareness of the spectacularly primal, wildly dark night sky and how it has influenced the human experience across everything from science to art. Using a blend of personal narrative, natural history, science, and astronomy, Bogard shares the importance of darkness—what we’ve lost, what we still have, and what we might regain—and the simple ways we can reduce the brightness of our nights tonight.
This program will discuss the importance of starry night skies across cultures, with a particular emphasis on D/Lakota and Ojibwe Star Knowledge.
Planisphere-making activity to follow presentation. Open to audiences of all ages. Learn more about Native Skywatchers.
6-9 P.M. | STAR PARTY WITH THE MARSHALL W. ALWORTH PLANETARIUM | SURFSIDE BALLROOM, TOFTE
Representatives of the Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium are bringing their mobile planetarium to the Surfside Ballroom for a Star Party! Enjoy fun activities, presentations and telescope viewing. Star Party is open to all, no pre-registration is required.
There’s limited space, so sign up now to join the stargazing party with night vision monoculars! The group will meet up the Gunflint Trail some, so the light pollution should be relatively low, the illumination from the moon won’t be terrible, and hopefully the skies clear! $60 per person – sign up here.
…
Book your stay now to join us for the Dark Sky Festival. Explore a wide range of lodging types to suit your style and needs. Book now, reservations are filling fast.
