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.