We’re Getting an Outdoor Wood-Fired Oven!

Oven in progress – May 2024

At long last, we are getting an outdoor wood-fired oven under one of the pavilions on the grounds at the Clair Nelson Center! We have been working toward this and fundraising for a number of years and it is very exciting that it is finally happening. We’re hoping to have the oven up and running by June 13th, 2024 for the first Finland Farmers Market of the summer season. In the near future, we will also hold some community baking days and/or pizza parties to try it out and learn how it works. Whatever happens, bread or pizza, it’s going to be delicious!

Original timber frame drawing with oven – 2019

Funding for the oven project is from the Lloyd K Johnson Foundation, as well as the IRRRB. The timber frame pavilion itself was built and donated by local artisans Heather and Andrew Deyette in 2019, with funds from a MN State Arts Board grant. Funds for the concrete slab came from the Lloyd K Johnson Foundation, Co-op Light and Power Operation Round-up, as well as many generous community donations. Over 30 community members helped with the timber frame raising in September 2019. The original design for the pavilion contained the oven within it.

We also have funds from the MN Department of Agriculture Good Food Access Program for the installation of awnings around both of the pavilions to create more space for the farmers market and other activities.