After the very successful Midsummer Memories benefit in 2024, it felt like the end of an era due to the retirement of Jan Kimes as writer, producer and director of the musical program. Was it time for a new format? With much consideration, the Lake Vermilion Cultural Center Board and Midsummer Committee decided to continue with the same format as prior years. So, on June 14th there will again be a dinner in the Herbert Lamppa Civic Center and a musical program across the street in St. Mary’s Hall. Guests are encouraged to glam up for the gala event.

However, there will be a few changes in 2025. The writer and producer of the program, “Songs of the Journey‚” will be LVCC board member and longtime participant in the program, Ryan Bajan. Ryan asks guests “to join us on an adventure across the Atlantic as we present songs from the immigration to Minnesota as well as unique pieces highlighting the diversity of cultural roots in our region”. The show will feature regional talent, such as members of The Sectionals, members of the Choralaires, the multi-talented Steve Solkela, as well as a community choir. Songs will range from popular broadway tunes to old sea shanties centered around the immigrants, journey.

There will also be a change in the silent auction. It was decided to do an online silent auction this year. An advantage of an online auction is participants can view the items and make bids even if they can’t attend the event or are outside the area. The auction will last for several days, beginning on June 6th at 9:00 am CDT and ending the evening of Midsummer, June 14th at 6:00 pm. We will be using the website www.32auctions.com/ LVCC2025 where you will be able to set up a safe and secure account to view and bid on our amazing auction items. Winners may pick up their items in the Halunen lobby at the LVCC after the program on June 14th or have them shipped, There will still be a social hour and a smaller in-person silent auction inside the civic center before dinner. Another change is there will be a cash bar.

The live auction will stay the same. It will be held after dinner with Steve Solkela calling the auction. Popular items will again be offered: A seven night stay at an alpine chalet in France with room for eight people, a seven night stay at a condo in Cabo San Lucas, a one week stay at the La Rocca bed and breakfast in the wine county of the Risotto Valley near Milan, and two Minnesota Wild tickets. Start getting your friends organized to bid on these fun items.

The Midsummer Committee is excited to host this benefit, the biggest fundraiser of the year for the LVCC in a way that is familiar with a few changes. If you did not receive an invitation you may order tickets online at vermilionculturalcenter.org. Watch this paper, the LVCC website and FB page for more information on the online and live auctions. We look forward to seeing many of you on June 14th!