By Katee Rose

A beautiful meal was shared by over 50 community members this Thanksgiving at the Clair Nelson Community Center in Finland, with most of the ingredients coming from right here within our region!

There was an impressive spread spanning several tables long full of food. The smoked turkeys came from Snapshot Farm in Cherry MN, mashed potatoes sourced from both Northern Harvest Farm in Wrenshall and our very own OCA Agroecology Center here in Finland, along with delicious stuffing made with herbs from the Agroecology Center and of course a large portion of gravy on the side!

The Thanksgiving staples (turkey, taters, stuffing and gravy) were contributed by the Friends of the Finland Community and prepared by Dan and Kaylee Cahill Mathews of Baptism River Barbecue Co.

Individuals who attended also brought dishes to share, including lots of homegrown squash recipes, veggies, gluten free options, ham, and much much more! Everyone who came left stuffed, and with leftovers to take home. Plenty of desserts, coffee and good conversation finished out the night. It was a lovely evening. Thanks to the Friends of Finland staff for coordinating and contributing the time and energy to organize the event!

When the feast was over several community members proceeded to shuffle over to the Crystal Bay Cemetery to carry on the tradition of ‘Remembrance Night’ where candles are lit and placed on the graves of the ones that came before us. Fire pits were brought out and folks stood around to tell stories and sing under the stars together. It was truly a special night to share.

All are welcome to both events! Please come join us next year!

There are a couple of videos from this year’s Remembrance Night, watch them here:

Video #1: Illuminated Graves and Singing.

Video #2: Singing to those who came before.