One of the quirky throwbacks to the Iron Range’s labor tradition is the Mesaba Co-op Park on the edge of Hibbing. It is a cooperative recreational park where labor organizers and early socialists once met, sometimes under the watchful eye of labor spies and the FBI. Built largely by the Finns who settled the Cherry area, among them the parents of the late Steelworker organizer and Communist leader Gus Hall, it remains a place for recreation and family-friendly fun.
Their big annual event is coming up in a couple weeks:
Mesaba Co-op Park celebrates its 83rd annual Midsummer Festival (Juhannus) June 22-23, 2012. Opening this year’s celebration June 22, 7:30 PM are “The Cactus Blossoms,” a hot western swing band called ‘The Best Minneapolis Country Band of 2012’ by City Pages.
Following the band will be an open stage. Saturday’s events include a 1 PM forum, “Cooperation as a Social Value.” Music at 7:30 PM will feature Derrell Syria, singer/songwriter from Conga Se Menne followed by a dance with the ‘Mesaba Park Band.’ The evening concludes with the traditional midnight bonfire. Admission to the Midsummer weekend events is $15 with children under 12 admitted free. Meals and childcare available at additional cost. For more information call: (218) 262-1350.
Mesaba Co-op Park is located 8 miles east of Hibbing off Hwy 37 behind the ‘Thirsty Moose.’
Jumala siunaa suomalaiset!