ELY- While many area holiday events are canceled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Ely Folk School will host a safe outdoor holiday party next month.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Semer’s Park on Shagawa Lake.
This free community gathering will feature dogsled rides for kids and adults, a warming bonfire, pool-noodle broomball on the lake ice and a very special guest.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own skis, snowshoes or other recreational activities to enjoy the large open space of Semer’s Park and Shagawa Lake. Thanks to the generosity of Zup’s Market and Lakeshore Liquor, refreshments will be provided, including glögg, beer, hot cocoa, and snacks. Social distancing precautions will be in place and mask use will be encouraged.

Classes
Ely Folk School is hosting several online classes this month, some with holiday themes: Bananas Foster Flambé, Intro to Photoshop, Scandinavian Heart Ornaments, and Animal Tracks. Check the website, elyfolkschool.org, for dates, times and registration information.
The school is also putting together a class lineup for the Ely Winterfest, Feb. 4 through 14, 2021.
“In these challenging times, ‘resilience’ has been our catchword,” said EFS coordinator Betty Firth. “We’re pleased with the generous community response to our fall fundraising campaign and the interest in our classes.”
EFS also welcomes a new staff person, Lucy Soderstrom. “Since childhood, Lucy has spent summers at her family’s cabin near Ely and with area YMCA programs as a camper and counselor,” Firth said. “Now a University of Puget Sound graduate in International Relations, Lucy studied in Morocco, Qatar and the Netherlands. Given her focus on sustainable business development in small communities, she’s excited to connect with the Ely community through EFS.”