About the Tori:
The Finland MN Historical Society first celebrated Midsummer Days in June with a May Pole, some music, and a few vendors. About 1997 a local resident, Paul Deaner, started the free Music Festival which brought great musicians from near and far for the next few years. In 2006 the Historical Society board decided to combine the two festivals, move it to August, and rename it the “Tori Music Festival”.
In Finnish, Tori means “open marketplace” so it has grown to include local artists, merchants, and demonstrations such as blacksmithing, fiber arts, basket making, spoon carving, candle making, broom making, and many others. You can purchase items from many vendors including knives, pottery, candles, apparel, books, cards, jewelry, woodworking, photography, hand woven rugs, flowers and plants, and even hand crafted jams and maple syrup. The huge variety changes every year, so come out and see what’s new.
As a fundraiser for the Historical Society our volunteers sell food including our famous herring burgers, sloppy joes, potato salad, grilled hot dogs and brats, grilled corn on the cob, homemade desserts, pop, root beer floats, popcorn, and more.
There is a silent auction including stays in local venues, gift certificates from local merchants, as well as dining certificates, and handmade goods. We also have a cash raffle consisting of over $1500 in prizes.
We have a guest blacksmith showing how things used to be made by hand in our fully functional blacksmith shop. Throughout the day there will be demonstrations from artists, park rangers, and even make-and-take art experiences for adults. And of course all the buildings at the Heritage Site are open to explore including our ever evolving museum with panel photo displays and artifacts depicting the history of the Finland, MN area.
The event is FREE and there is plenty of parking on site. Come for the day and enjoy the local atmosphere and people of Finland, MN both today and in the past. Free will donations are accepted and appreciated. Your donations go to help preserve this fine historical site for generations to come. Follow our Facebook page for details and updates throughout the summer. You can preview the music, learn about the artists, and have a sneak peak at our silent auction.
Finland Minnesota Historical Society 