The spirit of the season has once again descended in Akeley.
In what has now become tradition, First Lutheran Church Women - the "First Ladies" - will be hosting their annual Taste of Christmas today (Saturday).
About a decade ago, the members took notice of the growing number of church craft shows, Bernie Beck recalled. First Lutheran, home to a plethora of fine cooks and artisans, decided to tap its talent.
Taste of Christmas debuted in the antiquated, small basement of the original church in 1999.
"We'd hoped to reach our goal of $600," Beck recalled. "But I was nervous."
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Her anxiety was short-lived. "Everyone pitched in. After all was said and done, we'd made $1,200," she recalled of the "wow!" figure.
"We can do this," members determined. And planning was underway for 2000.
"It's become our main project," Beck said.
"We live here in December," Jan Knutson joked of the Tuesday and Thursday crafting sessions, beginning in November. "It's hectic."
Proceeds, like the size of the church, have increased significantly since its inception. The event was moved to the newly constructed fellowship hall in 2001, replete with a state-of-the art kitchen.
Scandihoovian yummies were in the making Friday for the luncheon that's become a yearlong anticipated event.
And men - in number - now arrive to assist.
Taste of Christmas, to be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the fellowship hall, includes a "huge" bake sale, craft sale and a luncheon.
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Potter/artist Jo Hamilton arrives with items created specifically for the sale.
Crafts range from tree ornaments to woodwork to quilts to aprons to tapestry scarves and more, each reflecting a parishioner's unique talent.
Handmade "lefse cozies," for example, keep the Norwegian flatbread soft and tender while it cools.
The bake sale - Scandinavian almond cake and lefse top sellers - features cookies, cakes and candy.
The Muppets' Swedish chef would undoubtedly approve of the menu proffered at today's luncheon - Danish meatballs and noodles, lefse and salad.
Save room for dessert. Giftas, a Swedish cranberry sweet; Rommegrot, a Norwegian cream pudding; and Riskrem, a rice pudding, will add a delightful dollop to the day.
Proceeds from the event send First Lutheran kids to camp each summer, support in-church projects and benefit international outreach projects.
"It keeps us out of trouble," said Knutson, whose handmade haute couture will be featured today.
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