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. Hiltunens 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.

On a stroll 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.

The Aura Jamboree is a two day festival and has more than 50 musicians that play throughout Friday and Saturday. Many travel from all over the country, and there is a friendly, open attitude toward all. The jamboree has grown in polularity due to the great community which organizes and hosts it.

The music begins at 5 pm on Friday and runs until 12 am. On Saturday the music begins again at 10 am. The days festivities include an Old Time Dance which begins at eight and closes the event at midnight. Food will be served both days. Tickets available at the gate with all proceeds going to maintaining the Aura community hall site. Please refrain from bring any pets to the festival, as they are not allowed.

The Aura Jamboree is a must see event for all shade tree musicians, come for the day and don't forget to bring your instruments !