The Alberta Estonian Heritage Society is hosting a Jaanipaev Celebration just south of Stettler.
This St. John’s Day Celebration, on June 23 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., will be held at the Linda Hall.
“Everyone is welcome to the celebration whether they have Esto roots or not, provided they buy a ticket by mid-June,” said organizer Eda McClung.
This year’s event is the 100-year celebration of the first independence of Estonia.
“In 1918, after the First World War, Estonia gained its first independence, which lasted until the Second World War. Independence was regained in 1991, with the fall of the iron curtain. No blood was lost during that most recent independence push. Instead, the struggle was dubbed the ‘Singing Revolution.’”
On June 23 there will be ethnic circle dancing with two dancers coming from Estonia, said McClung.
“Singing is an integral part of the Estonian identity so a choir will perform familiar sing-along songs, with the hope that the crowd will join in the singing.”
In addition, two professional Alberta artists with Estonian heritage will display their work, and there will also be an area to display the artwork of others with Alberta and Estonian roots. Pioneer games and crafts and a bouncy castle are planned for the young and young at heart. Ethnic food will be featured along with a festive pig roast.
For more information about this event, call Martha at 403-878-5973, or go the website AEHS.ca. To register for the event go to https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/midsummer-estonian-festival-jaanipaev-2018-100th-anniversary-of-estonias-independence-tickets-44466249750