Pride of Place & the BWC BBQ

 I suppose that’s fitting, as we are about to embark on a deeply treasured American tradition: Fourth of July weekend, a holiday involving a great deal of story, myth, legend, and even a revered text. 

In the spirit of this tradition Boundary Waters Connect is kicking off the weekend with its fourth annual BBQ TODAY (Thursday, July 3), from 4:00pm to 6:00pm in the pocket park next to our office. (Puddle Jumper Park: 115 East Chapman Street; additional info below).

Personally, I will be participating in this ritual filled weekend by making and serving peach pie (peaches courtesy of the wonderful Ely Nordic Wolves cross-country ski team fundraiser). I’ll be attending the famous Ely Fourth of July Parade with an intergenerational group of loved ones – parents, siblings, niblings, and friends. Following the parade, we’ll take our beach bags to Semer’s for a community party, complete with live music and elaborate floaties on the water. 

As a born and raised Minnesotan, I believe there’s nothing better than a Fourth of July weekend out on the lake, on the edge of your favorite American small town. I love the parades, the revelry, the respect. I appreciate the history, the storytelling, the symbolism. Don’t-mind-if-I-do to the boats and the swimming and the sunshine and the refreshing water and the hot grill. I think we could all use a little more music, a little more dancing, more playfulness and more joy. 

In terms of storytelling, Independence Day tells the story of our federation of states, particularly in the context of a war to gain independence from a political position of disempowerment. Independence from a government system that didn’t serve the interests of those subjected to its will. (A monarchy is untenable to the American people.) 

A worthy endeavor, to be sure. 

The symbolism of the day is the American flag – 13 stripes and, now, 50 stars, the colonies and the states, respectively.  Old glory. Red, white, and blue, baby! It seems we didn’t totally disavow the Union Jack. Or maybe red, white, and blue fabrics were simply more readily available?

On this day – that is, Independence Day – among many subcultures in the United States,  according to my own lived experience, it is customary to show respect for the flag to honor the brave people who have done difficult things in the service of American values, such as freedom (the key American value recognized this weekend). Parades and framily barbeques are a way for participants to affirm their own value of political self-determination and to express pride of place. 

I've said it before, and I’ll say it again: Ely is a delicious ‘lil slice of Americana. It is a special place to live and a special place to visit. It is such a treat to be here, especially on the Fourth of July. Friends, family, neighbors, visitors, and unofficial members of the Ely fan club – I love it when we’re all together.  Talk about pride!!!  I love my neighbors. And to say that I love this place, well… it doesn’t even quite capture it. 

On the topic of sharing space, Bianca Riet, Communications Director for the Foundation for Intentional Community, wrote: 

When we gather, the magic of being human sparkles. It’s in the warmth of touch, the subtleties of shared silence, the meeting of eyes, the unspoken understandings. There's a power in sharing the same physical space that no screen can quite capture. After all, connection is not just about exchange; it’s about presence.

She goes on to assert that we should take every opportunity to gather, we should be intentional about “strengthening our collective muscle of togetherness.” 

Let me tell you what: I AGREE.