Fireworks over the 2018 Fyr Bal Festival in Ephraim. DCSR photo.
Fireworks over the 2018 Fyr Bal Festival in Ephraim. DCSR photo by Dan Plutchak

EPHRAIM — Out of concern for the health and safety of Ephraim’s community and visitors, the Ephraim Business Council announced Wednesday that it will not hold the Fyr Bal Festival in 2021.

While it was a difficult decision to postpone the event for another year, the organization looks forward to safely bringing back the music, artisans, games, dancers, Chieftain, fireworks, and the grand bonfire on June 18, 2022, according to a post on the Ephraim – Door County Facebook page.

The annual kick-off to summer re-creates customs of early Scandinavian settlers celebrating the summer solstice.

Evening bonfires can be seen along the shoreline symbolize the exit of winter and arrival of summer, with the highlight being the ceremonial bonfire lighting by the newly named Fyr Bal Chieftain.

The festival typically draws large crowds to Door County.

By Dan Plutchak

Founder, publisher Door County Shore Report