The Midsummer Feast of Tempus Posie

Once upon a time — and still — Alaska’s berry fairies looked forward to midsummer, when the beautiful flowering of the berry plants signifies the promise of delicious fruit to come. This time of summer, around the end of June, is celebrated by the berry fairies as Tempus Posie—the time of the berry blossom.

         The fertile Matanuska Valley was at the peak of its leafy summer splendor. Many berry species were gloriously blossoming; and, thanks to the care of the berry fairies, the bushes were expected to yield a record crop at Faybella Dyah, the time of harvest, still several months away.

         Meanwhile, the midsummer sun warmed the small folk as they took a well-earned rest . . . Berry fairies, dressed in their prettiest frocks, sat at tables laden with platters of steamed dandelion greens, candied rose petals, berry salads, stuffed mushrooms, and filleted stickleback grilled to perfection by the forestfolke. An array of pungent cheeses fanned out on large cutting boards. Out of the ovens just in time came hot, crusty loaves of currant bread. The loaves were thickly sliced and then spread with butter and strawberry jam. Individual squares of blueberry gingerbread and raspberry pie, topped with dollops of rich whipped cream, would be enjoyed later with cups of iced crowberry tea.

Their tummies full, the fairy children frolicked as the celebration continued into the evening hours. Because this was the season of the midnight sun, it would not get completely dark at night. Bright sun would give way to a soft twilight and then the dawn would cast her rosy glow over the mountaintops again. Games, singing and dancing would continue all night. As dusk crept over the land, a soft glow of lamplight illuminated the scene. The small folk celebrated and tots were allowed to stay up as long as they wished before donning their koletts and slipping into contented slumber.