Pillerkaar at Jaanipäev

Pillerkaar dancers joined dozens of Estonians and friends basking in the glow of the warm hospitality and blazing Jaanipäev bonfire at Vilve and Paul Ladon's Päkametsa Farm in Taneytown, Maryland on Saturday, June 24 evening. Families and old friends gathered from hundreds of miles to be together, even from as far as Pennsylvania. And for those who didn't yet know each other, Vilve and Paul's lawn games turned them into new friends.

Before the bonfire was lit, Pillerkaar performed Kungla polka, Raksi Jaak, and Tuljak (joined by Paul Ladon, Liivi Sharp, and Guinness, a black lab!). More guests joined us for the group dances Nejläpuari and Kaera Jaan, during which Guinness made an unforgettable entrance in his impatience to get into the circle. Once lit, the enormous bonfire impatiently devoured its fuel, sending sparks high into the darkening sky as if seeking to reach the stars. Lit by the flames, Pillerkaar danced Kõrtsiruumis, Padespaan, Reinlender, and Vanaviisi valss.