Fyr Bal On The Horizon

Scandinavian dancers kick off the chieftain ceremony at 2022 Fyr Bal in Ephraim. Photo by Rachel Lukas.

Celebrate the start of summer at Ephraim’s 57th Fyr Bal (pronounced “feer ball”), held June 17 along the shoreline of Eagle Harbor. 

Three June 16 concerts – at 2, 4 and 7 pm – at the Ephraim Moravian Church will kick off the festival. They’ll feature Colin & Friends performing works that celebrate Ephraim’s Nordic and Germanic heritage.

The festivities on Saturday, June 17, start with a yoga class at Anderson Dock, a pancake breakfast at the Ephraim Village Hall and the Ephraim Library’s used-book sale. 

The Fur Bal pet parade begins at 9 am. Two entrants will be named Best Dressed and Best Personality, and the lucky pet that’s named Best in Show will receive a medallion created by Gemma Lou’s Door County Furbaby Treats.

The artisan and food market opens at 10 am to offer various goods and tasty treats. Also compete in the ice cream or Door County cherry pie eating contests, or try your luck in the cakewalk.

The festival offers many options for family-friendly activities, such as visits by a balloon artist, caricaturist, strolling entertainer and princesses, along with T-shirt decorating and make-your-own Fyr Bal medallions. Children’s entertainer Randy Peterson will also perform.

The Fyr Bal cornhole tournament will return and is open to all ages. Teams must register at the Ephraim Business Council’s tent before the event.

See a wooden-shoe–carving demonstration; make your own flower crown; and check out the Viking ax-throwing activity, which is new this year. The Ephraim Business Council and Ephraim Historical Foundation are also partnering on a throwback T-shirt that features a vintage Fyr Bal design.

Raffle tickets – for many prizes from Ephraim businesses and a $500 grand prize – are on sale now at the Ephraim visitor-information center and various Ephraim businesses. 

A festival highlight is the chieftain ceremony, when an Ephraim resident is honored with this prestigious title, which has been voted on by the public for service to the community. This year’s event also features fire performers at the end of the chieftain ceremony. Then, a 9:30 pm fireworks display over Eagle Harbor brings the festival to a close.

Find out more about Ephraim and Fyr Bal at ephraim-doorcounty.com, or call the visitor center at 920.854.4989.