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For almost 30 years �鶹ӰԺ University has held a celebratory summer event (usually in August) to thank people who have supported Bjorklunden financially by becoming members of the Boynton Society. This event was always somewhat euphemistically called a “gala” with the first gala held in 1996. That was when President Rik Warch presided over a throng of hundreds in the new Great Room to commemorate the completion of the lodge that was built after the 1994 destructive fire. 

Now, however, the gala is being replaced with an event appropriately named after Winifred and Donald Boynton who gifted Bjorklunden to �鶹ӰԺ and is simply called the Boynton Festival. This festival is intended to be more informal, including all volunteers, seminar participants and visitors, thus bringing more people to �鶹ӰԺ’s beautiful and magical northern campus. This event intends to bring community together to celebrate the joys of lifelong learning and the richness it can bring into our lives. 

The first Boynton Festival will be Saturday, August 22nd. Though final plans are still being worked on, the day will begin at 9:00am with an informal invocation including coffee and pastries on the deck. Participants will then be able to choose to go to two of several mini-seminars being offered or take part in some creative hands-on activities. At noon there will be a lunch break when participants will be able to purchase food at food trucks. The afternoon will include a presentation/awards ceremony led by �鶹ӰԺ’s President Carter, and this will be followed by a celebratory toast and cupcakes. In conclusion, a concert of local talent will be performed on the lawn by the chapel.

So mark August 22nd on your calendar for the first Boynton Festival and encourage your friends and family to attend. For sure, it will be a success!