Volunteer Op: Tori Music Festival at Finland Heritage Center 2024

The Finland MN Historical Society first celebrated Midsummer Days in June with a May Pole, some music, and a few vendors.  About 1997 a local resident, Paul Deaner, started the free Music Festival which brought great musicians from near and far for the next few years.  In 2006 the Historical Society board decided to combine the two festivals, move it to August, and rename it the “Tori Music Festival”.

What would a music festival be without music?  We have an amazing lineup this year with local legend Charlie Parr. Joining him for the festival will be THUG (the ever popular Two Harbors Ukulele Group), singer/songwriter John Agacki with songs from his recent album release: “Songs of the Lakes and Seas” – a collection of sea chanties and songs of the Great Lakes, and the acoustic duo Gene LaFond and Amy Grillo performing their original songs as well as unique renditions of some of their favorite artists from Dylan to dirt-old country.

In Finnish, Tori means “open marketplace” so it has grown to include local artists, merchants, and demonstrations such as blacksmithing, fiber arts, basket making, spoon carving, candle making, broom making, and many others.  You can purchase items from many vendors including knives, pottery, candles, apparel, books, cards, jewelry, woodworking, photography, hand woven rugs, flowers and plants, and even hand crafted jams and maple syrup.  The huge variety changes every year, so come out and see what’s new.

As a fundraiser for the Historical Society our volunteers sell food including our famous herring burgers, sloppy joes, potato salad, grilled hot dogs and brats, grilled corn on the cob, homemade desserts, pop, root beer floats, popcorn, and more.

There is a silent auction with over 30 items to bid on, including overnight stays in local venues, gift certificates from local merchants, as well as dining certificates, and handmade goods.  We also have a cash raffle consisting of over $1500 in prizes.

New in 2023 we introduced Duluth Goat Yoga. Indeed, you can practice yoga with a certified instructor and small friendly goats. Strike a pose or just sit back, cuddle some goats, and take some selfies. Anything goes! Relax and recharge in our tranquil orchard with the sweet and funny goats. It’s a one of a kind experience that has found its way to the North Shore.

We have a guest blacksmith showing how things used to be made by hand in our fully functional blacksmith shop. The American Heritage Girls will be offering games, crafts, and a music experience for kids at our new Imagination Station. Throughout the day there will be demonstrations from artists, park rangers, and even make-and-take art experiences for adults. And of course all the buildings at the Heritage Site are open to explore including our ever evolving museum with panel photo displays and artifacts depicting the history of the Finland, MN area.

The event is FREE and there is plenty of parking on site.  Come for the day and enjoy the local atmosphere and people of Finland, MN both today and in the past.  Free will donations are accepted and appreciated.  Your donations go to help preserve this fine historical site for generations to come. Follow our Facebook page for details and updates throughout the summer. You can preview the music, learn about the artists, and have a sneak peak at our silent auction.