This past weekend on June 25, 2005, the Seedrioru Summer Camp celebrated its 50th anniversary with the traditional annual gathering known as “Suvihari“.
Attendance for the golden jubilee was up significantly from last year when most people seemed to be away, perhaps visiting Estonia and the Laulupidu. Organizers indicated that over a thousand people came. That has not happened for many years and the size of the „tent city“ that sprang up reminded one of the early years.
Also, what was noticeable to my mind at least, was that the average age of attendees has dropped considerably - yet during my walks around the grounds I heard significantly more Estonian spoken than has been the case in recent years.
The program was full and varied, starting with the usual formal “aktus“ on the main field which contains the flags as well as the two monuments. In addition to the usual speakers, performances were given by the Toronto Estonian Male Chorus and the Toronto Estonian School Choir, singing their final numbers as an united chorus.
It was a very hot clear day. Most spectators took shelter from the sun under the cedar trees lining the field and one had to admire the speakers and singers who braved the heat.
In early evening the Toronto Academic Mixed Choir “Ööbik“ gave a spirited performance at the open air theatre. The weather had cooled off somewhat and it was obvious that both the audience and choir members were thoroughly enjoying themselves.
Pastor Ants Tooming, visiting here from the fatherland and soon to return to Estonia, directed the traditional “Thought Bridge to the Fatherland“.
The evening wrapped up with dance music provided by the band “ Meie Mees“, direct from Estonia. The band was lively and loud. They played until early morning to the delight of most of the crowd.
Some of the first generation, however, might have been a bit annoyed by all the commotion that kept them up late because one long time Seedrioru resident fired up his noisy tractor and wagon very early Sunday morning and made a point of driving past tent city on a mission to somewhere.
This was certainly one of the more memorable “Suviharis“ in many years. The organizers did an excellent job and are to be commended for their efforts.
There seems to have been a rejuvenation of the Seedrioru spirit, and it seems certain for that energy to carry on for some time yet.
Seedrioru 50 (3)
Archived Articles | 30 Jun 2005 | Peeter BushEWR
Viimased kommentaarid
Kommentaarid on kirjutatud EWR lugejate poolt. Nende sisu ei pruugi ühtida EWR toimetuse seisukohtadega.
I just got back from the lake and read the postings.
I have reached the stage in life where I am starting to realize to my discomfort and sometimes embarassment that that I have in fact become a forgetful old geezer,
I left the stage area shortly after Meie Mees started up. From the other side of the field I would not have guessed other bands took over because it all sounded the same to me and we all know those Esto guys have great staying power.
Thanks for for pointing out that there were the other bands. My apologies to everyone for not mentioning them.
Think I will leave the late night reporting in future to someone younger that does not turn into a pumpkin at midnight. Estonian Life fellow writer Adu Raudkivi perhaps might be a good candidate. :)
It was really nice to see the large turnout, especially younger people enjoying themselves.
Peeter
Peeter
I have reached the stage in life where I am starting to realize to my discomfort and sometimes embarassment that that I have in fact become a forgetful old geezer,
I left the stage area shortly after Meie Mees started up. From the other side of the field I would not have guessed other bands took over because it all sounded the same to me and we all know those Esto guys have great staying power.
Thanks for for pointing out that there were the other bands. My apologies to everyone for not mentioning them.
Think I will leave the late night reporting in future to someone younger that does not turn into a pumpkin at midnight. Estonian Life fellow writer Adu Raudkivi perhaps might be a good candidate. :)
It was really nice to see the large turnout, especially younger people enjoying themselves.
Peeter
Peeter
Good.
"The evening wrapped up with dance music provided by the band “ Meie Mees“, direct from Estonia. The band was lively and loud. They played until early morning to the delight of most of the crowd."
Actually, they didn't wrap up the evening. Meie Mees' awesome & energetic performance was followed by Walter Mätas' "Big Chill" band, which in turn was followed by Vello Verder's band "The Outfit". (www.theoutfitlive.com)
The lineup was perfect, ending with a young band for the young people still up and bopping.
It was really a great event!
Actually, they didn't wrap up the evening. Meie Mees' awesome & energetic performance was followed by Walter Mätas' "Big Chill" band, which in turn was followed by Vello Verder's band "The Outfit". (www.theoutfitlive.com)
The lineup was perfect, ending with a young band for the young people still up and bopping.
It was really a great event!
Archived Articles
TRENDING
