If you have enjoyed the Hollyhocks outside of the Anderson Store in Ephraim over the years, you can thank Ephraim’s newly minted Fyr Bal Chieftain for making it a tradition. Betty Chomeau was given the title over the weekend during the village’s summer festival, which officially wrapped up last night when Mother Nature finally allowed organizers to launch its fireworks over Eagle Harbor. Chomeau’s love affair with the area began as a child when her family would spend their summers in Ephraim, so her mother could tend to her shop. Her future husband lived just a few doors down from Chomeau, and the pair married in Ephraim years later.  She got involved with the Ephraim Historical Foundation, serving as the organization’s president and working in its various museums. Before she stepped away from the task a few years ago, Chomeau became well-known for tending to the flowers located alongside the Anderson Store Museum. Like many of the Chieftains before her, Chomeau was humbled by the recognition.

Ephraim’s Fyr Bal, based on Scandinavian traditions, often coincides with the summer solstice. Next year, the event will celebrate its 60th anniversary.

Photo courtesy of Tad Dukehart