YULE FEST AT MANSFIELD

Come in from the snow. Come in from the dark. Come join in the feast. Come join in the fun. Come join in the dance. Come party with the sun.

One and all from all path and faith are welcome to come and join us at Mansfield Outdoor Centre on Dec 21 to light the Yule fire and dance the night away. We will be festing, drumming, dancing, and burning the Yule fire thru the night.

WHAT

A traditional Norse Yule gathering to celebrate that the longest night is past, that friends family and loved ones have come together, pulled together to make it thru yet another cold winter. Come join us at the fires to recharge and reenergize ourselves.

My beautiful, strong, and wonderful partner has foolishly agreed to handfasting our families together and pledging ourselves to each other. The handfasting ceremony will take place on Sunday and will be kept to family and close friends. Afterwards we would like everyone to feel free in joining us to celebrate Yule, and our union. We request no gifts. If one is felt to be required, there will be a donations box for collecting towards down payment on land.

WHEN

The site is booked from Saturday December 20th until Monday December 22nd. You are welcome to stay for one or both nights. Cabin space is available for booking details below.

PROGRAM

...Set up - noon Saturday onwards.

...Dressing of the Yule Tree - Saturday early evening. All are welcome to bring natural tree ornaments, or bring supplies to make them on site. The tree will be charred in the Yule fire. Feel free to incorporate blessings and offerings into the tree ornaments.

...Saturday Night Gathering - Gathering around a small fire, either at the fire place in the main lodge or outdoors at the bardic fire pit, weather permitting. Main fire pit will be prepared for the Yule fire.

...Lighting of the Yule Fire - Sunday 10am, in preparation for the handfasting ceremony.

...Handfasting - Ceremony will take place at the Yule fire around noon.

...Potluck Feast - All are welcome to gather and share food in the dining hall.

...All-night Yule Fire - The sacred fire will burn until sunrise. Drumming, dancing, and fire spinning are encouraged.

...Closing Time - noon Monday December 22.

ACCOMMODATIONS & RSVP

Due to the nature of the venue we ask people to RSVP by December 14th. We are asking for a donation of $20 for people stopping in, and $50 for booking cabin space same rate for one or both nights. After December 14th, prices increase to $25 and $60, respectively.

Cabins are heated and contain twin-sized bunk beds. Bring your own bedding, etc.

Those without cabin space are welcome to bring mattresses and sleep in the main lodge, with the understanding that this is a group gathering place during the days on Saturday and Sunday.

USE OF KITCHEN

Due to allergies we ask food for potluck be labeled clearly. A section of the kitchen will be limited to gluten and dairy free food preparation.

If successful, we may consider turning this into an annual event, with more programming and open use of the kitchen.