HARBERT—If there is any “magical” place to be at the solstice, it’s probably at the center of the world, and fortunately for all of us, Hosea Tirrel, mid-19th century sage and shopkeeper, discovered that center to be located in none other than Harbor Country—in New Troy, to be exact.

Having chosen New Troy as the original home for their woodworking shop, Terry and Lorraine Hanover decided to name their shop “The Center of the World” as well. And, although the Center of the World Wood Shop has since moved from New Troy to Harbert, it’s still a great place to celebrate the solstice, especially since the Hanovers will be hosting their 11th Annual Woodworkers with the Blues event there on June 21.

“Life in Harbor Country really slowed down this past winter,” Lorraine said. “But for some area artisans, the winter blues spurred new creative work, and as summer begins, they’re eager to share the results.”

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., guests are invited to come to the shop at 13400 Red Arrow Highway

and view the fruits of their labors while enjoying a variety of free woodworking demonstrations, live music and a hot lunch.

Participating woodworkers include John Galligan, who creates wine accessories; Floyd Gumpf and Terry Hanover, who create furniture; Harold Harris, who creates gourd vessels and lamps; Barbara Hoenle, who creates wooden jewelry; Larry Jensen, who creates sculpture; Steve Livengood, who creates primitive and rustic furniture; Jim Lothary, who creates wildlife carvings; Phil Myer, who creates lamps and furniture; Robert Schroeder, who creates jewelry boxes and furniture; James Stawowy, who creates treasure boxes; and Ralph Lindholm, who does wood turning.

Wood turning and wood carving demonstrations will be taking place at 12 and 2 p.m. David Krumrie will also be doing a sawmill demonstration during the course of the day.

Live music will be provided at 1 and 3 p.m. by Trois Canard, an Indiana trio that performs “the top tunes of the past 500 years.” Band members Marti Pizzini and Suzanne Keldsen of Chesterton, and Dot Pakan of Valaparaiso have been making music together for 20 years with such instruments as a dulcimer, a hurdy-gurdy, an accordion, an autoharp, a fiddle and a guitar.

They will also be playing some of their songs on historic Marxochime instruments, which were manufactured at the Marxochime Colony in New Troy from 1947 to 1972.

A hot lunch and refreshments will be provided by the Friends of New Troy, and proceeds from food sales will benefit the New Troy Community Center.

More information about the Center of the World Woodshop can be found at www.centeroftheworld.net, and those with questions about the 11th Annual Woodworkers with the Blues event can call the shop at (269) 469-5687.