Second Sunday Folk Dances

The Second Sunday Folk Dance series is entering its 23rdnd year! Over the years, it has earned the reputation of being one of the Midwest’s most popular venues for folk music and dance. Set in the newly renovated auditorium and dance hall at Fortune Lake Camp, the Second Sunday Folk Dance presents some of the best musicians in the country in an intimate setting. The Second Sunday audience is unique: faithful, enthusiastic, and representing a broad age range.

The Second Sunday Folk Dance series is the largest, longest running event of its kind. Activities begin at 4 PM CT with a concert by White Water and guests, followed by dancing in many forms. A light meal and soft drinks are served at each dance. The entertainment lasts until 7 PM CT. Admission is $7 per adult and children under 15 are admitted free.

Above left: Guests Oren Tikkanen, Helmer Toyras, John Perona, Wil Kilpela, & Paavo Hilska (L-R)
Above right: Guest singer/songwriter/autoharpist Bryan Bowers.
Below: Three young couples take part in the popular "Broom Dance."

How to Find Us

The Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp is located between Iron River and Crystal Falls (in Iron County, Michigan), 2 miles west of Crystal Falls on US-2. Turn south on Bible Camp Road and drive for less than a quarter mile. Turn right on Fortune Lake Camp Road and just drive a short distance.

Below: The Second Sunday Folk Dance venue offers a beautiful hardwood dance floor, more than double the audience capacity, and a spacious stage.

Every Second Sunday ’til April

Second Sunday dances run from October through April. Second Sunday Dances in the 2008-2009 series are:

If you have any questions, call the Fortune Lake Camp at
906-875-3697, or Bette or Dean Premo at 906-822-7889.

Check the following link for detailed description of the outstanding performers lined up to play Second Sunday dances this season. For a printable (PDF) version of this season's flyer click here. To see photos from past Second Sunday Folk Dances, click this.

Below: Master spoons player John Perona and his apprentice Randy Seppala added "flashy" percussion at the October 2004 folk dance.

Sponsors Sought for Support

Second Sunday Folk Dance organizers seek funds to foster the activities and underwrite the expenses of guest artists, many of whom travel hundreds of miles to perform.

The Second Sunday Folk Dance series relies on the generosity of sponsors. Contributors for the 2007-2008 season included: Aura Community Hall Association, Community Dental Practice of Doug Felger, First National Bank of Crystal Falls, Iron River Chrysler, Law Offices of Geoffrey Lawrence, Northern Michigan Bank and Trust, Paula Pryor, Wells Fargo Bank Michigan, West Statewide Realty, Riverside Plaza Merchants Association, Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp, David Holperin of Smith Barney Rhinelander, Andy Davis CPA, Crystal Falls Lions, Ralph and Jean Eckerberg, Lindwall Motors, Tall Pines Grocery of Amasa, John and Judy Reed, and White Water Associates.
 

Below: White Water begins each Second Sunday Dance with a concert and closes with a dance and a favorite group song. Here they are joined by Bryan Bowers (vocals) and Jessica Dakota (fiddle).