Estonians Celebrated Midsummer Solstice on Long Island

Last weekend, June 15th the Long Island Estonian House hosted the Midsummer Solstice with the help of the New York Educational Society and the Estonian Amateur Athletes Association.

The only annual fundraiser held by the LI Estonian House brought together Estonians from all over the East Coast. People gathered to enjoy camping on the beautiful grounds, to taste Estonian cuisine and to meet new and already familiar faces. Moreover, all sports enthusiasts could participate in a volleyball tournament, which ended in the evening with a thrilling final and a relaxing sauna afterwards.

Children’s swimming competitions and track and field games offered a lot of excitement as well. Throughout the day, every parent and youngster could ask advice from a professional open water swimmer, Merle Liivand herself. The organic skincare brand Viking Beauty Secrets ambassador, Liivand will be representing Estonia next month at the World Championships, where she is going to race in 10 and 5 km open water races. All who were interested had a chance to take pictures and ask for autographs from the local superstar herself.

The great day outside ended with a performance of New York’s folk dancing group Saare Vikat, followed by the long awaited traditional Midsummer Solstice bonfire. Afterwards a dance party at the Estonian House lasted until in the early morning.