History comes to life with annual Sugar on Snow event
The North Shore was transported back into the 1700s last weekend during the ninth annual Sugar on Snow event.
The North Shore was transported back into the 1700s last weekend during the ninth annual Sugar on Snow event.
This year marked the first time the event was held at the Clair Nelson Center in Finland. During Sugar on Snow, event participants wore traditional American colonial clothing and explained blacksmithing and spun flax, among other colonial occupations, while also explaining their history to their more modern visitors.
Interpreters sat at their own booths or stations and talked to passerby about their particular craft. Silver Bay resident Laurie Kallinen ran the Colonial Kitchen booth and let others taste test her baking. She said she’s a “history buff” who enjoys sharing history “in a way people can relate to.”
Kallinen first became involved in Sugar on Show through the Silver Bay-based Lattin family, who helped organize the event. Kallinen said she enjoys telling people about the work involved in putting together a meal and how long it could take in the 1700s. She used the example of how some would have to wake up at 4:30 a.m. to make butter. “Just understanding that concept is shocking,” she said.
Kallinen says her five children enjoy Sugar on Snow as well. Two of her sons are helping out this year and others have helped out in the past. “They very much enjoy it,” she said.
That’s exactly what Susan Lattin, one of the organizers, likes to hear. The event concentrates on showing kids a slice of life from the past and helping them understand history. “They come up to you and say ‘Look what I made!’” she said.
Debbie Russell, the principal of the North Shore Christian Academy, said she enjoys the event and says she recommended it to her students. She said her kids can sit for hours at one activity and become absorbed in it. “I think it’s a very good experience,” Russell said.
Lattin said about 750 to 800 people attended the event this year, with visitors coming from all over Minnesota and Wisconsin. Lattin said it was one of the best years for the event. “Everything seemed to run smoothly this year,” she said. “Momentum is beginning to build for the 10th anniversary which added a lot of anticipation and excitement for this year. There’s so much enthusiasm.”
Lattin said plans for next year are already being thought of to commemorate the event’s 10th anniversary. “We’re already progressing for next year and there will be a brainstorming session soon,” she said.
Kallinen will more than likely be at next year’s event. “I will be here as long as they continue to have the program,” she said.
For more information on how to help out or organize please call the Lattin family at 226-4074.
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