Summer is evident in Becker and the surrounding areas. Last weekend, my husband and I attended the 65th annual KPMG Women's PGA Championship held at historic Hazeltine Golf Course in Chaska, MN (home of the 2016 Ryder Cup). The event was one of the LPGA Tour’s five majors. The course was in tip top shape and it was a Minnesota top 10 summer day. Despite a weather forecast that included a strong chance of rain, showers held off for most of the weekend and we enjoyed watching the women golf.
Personally, I love summer. Growing up, we had no central air and only one box fan. It went without saying that mom and dad were the ones who got the fan in their bedroom at night! Several of my siblings opted to sleep in the basement. Summer days on the farm left us exhausted, yet with a feeling of accomplishment that I recall fondly. After a long day of farm chores, when our heads hit the pillow, sleep came easily. Despite the hard work required of us, life seemed carefree. Growing up on a farm was a sweet blessing.
Although we had a late spring, local farmers have been blessed with enough warm weather and ample rain to nourish their crops. My brother Russell’s corn, although planted later than usual, will be waist high by the 4th of July. Independence Day is always a fun holiday, yet a bittersweet reminder that summer is fleeting and fading fast. Road construction is wreaking havoc with travel plans even in the bowels of Sherburne County. Ask me how I know!
Local berry farms and farmers markets are prevalent. Freedom Days and Spud Fest are behind us for another year and Sherburne, Wright and Benton County Fairs are on the horizon.
There are a handful of Midsummer events held around Minnesota the end of June each year. In Sweden, Midsummer's Eve is one of the most important days of the year, rivaling Christmas with its festive spirit and traditions.
Last weekend, I enjoyed attending Snake River Free Church annual Midsummer event. The event consists of a worship service, followed by potluck and an outdoor auction. I have attended the event for the past 45 years.
Longtime local resident Robert Hamner (96), told me: “I attended Snake River midsummer for the first time about 92 years ago - in 1927 or 1928 when I was a small child. My first memories of Midsummer were around 1930”. Hamner told me he also attended Vacation Bible School in the 1930s at Snake River and even though it was a one room church, he remembers over 30 students attending when he was growing up.
“Kids from all around the area would come - my cousins and kids from Kragero and District 20 would come for Bible School.” Despite the heat, Hamner was enjoying a visit with my uncle, Wally Erickson. Hamner said he enjoys catching up with people he hasn’t seen in a while. Wally told me he first attended Midsummer at Snake River in the early 1940’s.
Besides festivals and fairs and strawberry picking, June is a time of weddings. Local family Steve and Christina Friedman have had three of their 11 children tie the knot this month. Teddy Friedman is marrying Macy Erson July 5th and Isaiah Friedman and Amanda Brown will be having a wedding celebration July 26th.
On a 95 degree day in Becker last weekend, Adair Friedman married Cody Case at Becker Baptist Church and had a reception at Clear Lake Pavillion. All 11 of Adair’s siblings served as attendants. The bridal party consisted of 12 bridesmaids, 12 groomsmen, four ringbearers, two flower girls and three ushers (33 total plus bride and groom)!
Summer needs to slow down. People are counting the days until the Minnesota State Fair and the start of the school year. I find it abusive. A few poeple I know are even anticipating the arrival of snow. I, for one, want summer to last. There are so many fun things to do yet! Fireflies and swimming holes. Sweet summertime.
