Today, the highlight of the summer is the Aura Fiddler’s Jamboree, a time when these loggers and working people of all ages gather to make music. No auditions are required and the depth of your repertoire is not important. The grounds around the hall are set with small tents and folding chairs. Groups of musicians jam as experienced musicians accompany the most novice. The “Julida Polka” rings true as it mixes with the chatter of visiting folk who are standing under a group of maples. Under one of the tents a refrain of “Your Cheating Heart” floats through the warm breeze with the smell of fresh mowed hay. In the next tent, Wilbert Leppinen starts up “The Old Rugged Cross” and Helmer Toyras joins in on his fiddle.

To help this relaxed, no competition festival of sound, the organizers have prepared a variety of refreshments. Lemonade and cold beer, brats and homemade sweets.

As you enter the community hall, which seats 150, the music coming from the stage may be an established group like White Water or a newly formed group from under the maple trees. Whatever the make up, the selections will be entertaining. Hiltunen’s Nite Crawlers, a group of eight musicians, kick off their session with the “Carolina Polka”, and the house quiets to only foot tapping. Each piece begins with little fanfare and ends with wild applause. This routine goes on all day and people young and old visit and soak up the variety of music.

As I walk out to the car, parked across the road in a hay field, I spot three accordionists sitting in a circle. “The Tinker Polka,” an old favorite is played by Wilho Kilpela, leading on his large accordion, as a younger man accompanies and a woman with a beautiful pearl accordion plays the chords. Then at each round of the tune, another leads while the others follow and accompany. As the trio mesh together, a crowd of a dozen gather. One couple starts to dance in the freshly mowed grass and then another. Soon several more pair up and the musicians smile as they enjoy the approval of their audience. It was a magic moment and the spirit of these people echoed the reason people gather every July for the Aura Jamboree.

This year, for the first time, the Jamboree will be a two day event. There will be over 50 musicians performing on Friday and Saturday. Many have traveled from all over the country to take part in this special time.

The Aura Jamboree has grown so popular because of the great community which organizes and hosts it and the friendly open attitude of all who attend. The Jamboree kicks off at 5 pm on Friday and runs until 12 am. On Saturday the music begins again at 10 am. The day’s festivities include an Old Time Dance which begins at eight and closes the event at 12 am. Food will be served both days. Tickets available at the gate. All proceeds go to improve the Aura community hall.