An Annual Celebration - The Ely Folk School turns 11 this June!

The Ely Folk School held it's very first classes on June 7, 2015 - Songwriting with Joey Kenig and Flatwater Canoeing with Bert and Johnnie Hyde. From a community meeting with an outline of a dream in late November 2014, many dedicated and passionate Elyites spent December 2014 through May 2015 doggedly creating the bones of the Ely Folk School.

Today, we hold over 400 programs annually and boast 10 unique program areas. We believe in intergenerational, non-competitive, learning for life. It brings us joy to see that mission in action daily.

We know it's important to celebrate. So, we're using our own birthday as an excuse to celebrate the Ely Folk School, our instructors, and YOU! Join us June 4th, 5th, and 6th for a joyous weekend of paddling, dancing, and eating.

The Ely Folk School serves as an important space for the community to learn, play, make, and gather. Our birthday weekend coincides with our annual Spring Fundraiser - we're looking to raise $35,000 to support our artist-led programming. Please consider making a donation or setting up a meeting to learn more by emailing lucy@elyfolkschool.org.

Keep reading to learn how we celebrate!

Wiigwaasi-Jiimaan (Birch Bark Canoe) Community Paddle

June 4, 2026 | 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

How does it feel to paddle a birch bark canoe? Come down to Semer's Park Beach and find out!

Participants in the Birch Bark Canoe Project spent 4 summers, beginning in 2017, learning, teaching, processing, creating, and building a 20ft birch bark canoe. From harvesting wiigwaas, wadab (roots), and pine pitch to steaming the waaginaag (ribs), numerous volunteers have been witness and builder to all of it. 2022 marked the first of many community paddles. Multitudes of hands have been involved in the process of building this canoe.

The birch bark canoe is an ancient vessel, used for thousands of years to support life in this vast region of lakes and forests of white birch trees. When hunting, foraging, traveling, exploring, or hauling, wiigwaasi-jiimaan was light to carry on portages and easy to fix when damaged. It supported a way of life and the makings were passed down through history by oral legend. One version says that the Anishinaabe were given the knowledge and taught how to make the birch bark canoe by cultural hero Waynaboozhoo.

We are honored to share such a beautiful tradition with so many in our community and we are ever grateful to the Anishinaabe elders who have participated and shared their stories along the way. Honoring that legacy, we would love for all of you to join us in paddling this community canoe.

No experience needed, paddles and PFD's are provided by Ely Outfitting Company. This event has no charge, but participants are encouraged to donate to the Ely Folk School to support future boat builds and community events.

Ely Folk School Birthday Potluck

Friday, June 5th, 2026

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Join the Ely Folk School for our 11th birthday party! Potlucks are a great way to celebrate our community, so bring something to share. Please bring whatever you feel energized about making (or purchasing) and we'll supply the cake. Registration appreciated, but not required.

Community Barn Dance

Saturday, June 6th, 2026

7:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Ethel's Acres, 2231 Robich Road, Ely, MN 55731

$10 at the door, youth dance free - pre-registration not available

Join us in welcoming summer back with the first social folk BARN dance of the year, where we celebrate the season with live music, traditional dancing, and the joyful gathering of friends, neighbors, and community! Located at Ethel's Acres, about 10 minutes west of town, folks are encouraged to carpool or meet there directly. All dances are taught live, so people of all ages and skill levels can participate. Attendees called the dances “an absolute blast”, “a great community event”, “so much fun”, and “awesome”. Another commented, “I’m so happy we have amazing events like this in Ely!!” Someone else said, “This event brings all areas of the community together and bridges the gap between all ages.”

Robin McGalliard Nelson will be our caller for the evening. Robin delights in facilitating community-building and joy through singing and dancing. She has over 40 years of experience leading traditional dance and singing for all ages and abilities. In addition to being a regular dance caller and teacher at Tapestry Folkdance Center and the Monday Night Square Dance in Minneapolis, Robin leads dancing at weddings, special parties, schools, and senior centers.

Please also consider joining us for the Old Time Strings Jam Session (also at Ethel's Acres from 4-5pm) before the dance! After the dance, all are welcome to stay around the fire circle for a quiet end to the evening. Contact us in advance if you would like transportation to the event and we will do our best to help coordinate a ride for you.

A big thanks to Robin Mcgnelson, our caller for the evening, and our talented local musicians headed by Joe Smith for their accompaniment! This event would not be possible without the dedicated help of our volunteer team and the generous sponsorship of Ely Family Dental.