The writer, producer, and director of the program, “Songs of the Journey,” will be LVCC board member and longtime participant in the program Ryan Bajan. Ryan asks guests “to join us on an adventure across the Atlantic as we present songs from the immigration to Minnesota as well as unique pieces highlighting the diversity of cultural roots in our region.” The show will feature regional talent, such as The Sectionals, members of the Choralaires, multi-talented Steve Solkela, as well as a community choir. Songs will range from popular Broadway tunes to old sea shanties centered around the immigrants’ journey.

There will also be a change in the silent auction. After researching what some other small non profits are doing, it was decided to present an online silent auction this year. An ad- vantage of an online auction is participants can view the items and make bids even if they can’t attend the event or are outside the area. The auction will last for several days, begin- ning on June 6 at 9 am CDT and ending the evening of Midsummer, June 14 at 6 pm. We will be using the website www.32auctions.com/LVCC2025 where you will be able to set up a safe and secure account to view and bid on our amazing auction items. A QR code (pictured below) will also be available to access the website. Winners may pick up their items in the Halunen lobby at the LVCC after the evening performance on June 14 or have them shipped at their expense. There will still be a social hour and a smaller in-person silent auction inside the civic center before dinner. Another change is there will be a cash bar.

The live auction will stay the same. It will be held after dinner with comedic Steve Solkela calling the auction. Popular items will again be offered: A seven-night stay at an alpine chalet in France with room for eight people, a seven-night stay at a condo in Cabo San Lucas, two Minnesota Wild tickets, and other opportunities. Start getting your friends organized to bid on these fun items.

The Midsummer Committee, chaired by Jaynee Yocum, is excited to host the biggest fundraiser of the year for the LVCC in a way that is familiar with a few changes. Find more details in the enclosed invitation and watch the local papers for updates on the online and live auctions. We look forward to seeing many of you on June 14!