You can welcome the start of the summer along Eagle Harbor in Ephraim this weekend as the village celebrates its 60th Fyr Bal Celebration.

The annual festival is based in Scandinavian tradition and is capped off by a bonfire and fireworks down by the water. During the bonfire, Ephraim visitors and residents not only say goodbye to the winter witch, they say hello to its chieftain. Last year, Betty Chomeau was elected as the Fyr Bal Chieftain, honored for their community contributions.  In Chomeau’s case, she was honored for her beautification efforts in the village, including trimming the hollyhock plants near the Anderson Store Museum.

Even though Fyr Bal's crescendo occurs at night, there are plenty of other activities to keep visitors and guests busy throughout the day, including Scandinavian games, a pet show, and an artisan and food market.

As a result of Fyr Bal, State Highway 42 will be closed from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. between Moravia and Cedar streets. The former Shopko in Sister Bay and the Ephraim-Gibraltar Airport are being used as satellite parking lots for the event, and free shuttles will take attendees to the festival. 

Photo by Rachel Lukas