The 43rd Annual Midwest Morris Ale
Hosted by Minnesota Traditional Morris
and other Minnesota teams!
May 26 – 29, 2023 * Memorial Day Weekend
Hudson, Wisconsin
Welcome
The 2023 Midwest Morris Ale will be held at Camp St. Croix, a beautiful facility on the “Wisconsin side” of the St. Croix River, about 1 hour east of Minneapolis and St. Paul. There will be both indoor and outdoor spaces for dancing and workshops.
The Midwest Morris Ale is committed to having a safe and fun event for all participants. In response to feedback from the community regarding safety concerns, the Board and Ale planning teams have made modifications to the “usual” Ale schedule to ensure this. Please take the time to check out the schedule, accommodations, and activities.
COVID-19 Update and Safety
The MWMA has adopted a COVID-19 policy for the 2023 Ale. Short version:
- All attendees must provide proof of up-to-date vaccination (including booster shots), either during registration or at the door
- Attendees getting picked up at the airport will take a rapid antigen test at the airport before transport to the Ale site
- All attendees will take a rapid antigen test upon arrival at Camp St. Croix, and another rapid antigen test during the weekend
- CDC recommendations for masking will be followed
To reduce operating costs for the Ale, the COVID team is asking participants to supply their own Covid testing supplies, if possible. Most health insurance will supply up to 8 over-the-counter COVID-19 tests to each individual every month (free or reimbursed). When you register for the Ale, there you will be asked how many COVID tests you can bring with you.
The MWMA COVID-19 Policy was developed to follow CDC guidance, which changes to adapt to pandemic conditions. Please see our COVID page for more details.
Schedule, Tours, and Activities
The 2023 Midwest Morris Ale will feature some of our favorite activities, including tours, workshops, and skit night. We are also planning a couple of special activities for this year. Check our Activities page for updates on the full weekend schedule. Who is coming?
Housing and Registration
Registration is now closed! Registration for MWMA 2023 and housing options at Camp St. Croix. Several nearby hotels (with use of a day pass) are also an option.
Meals will be provided by the camp kitchen, with seating space in the indoor dining hall. We are working on an option for outdoor dining space. You will have an option to specify your dietary needs and preferences when you register.
The deadline to register is April 25, 2023 at 11:59pm CDT.
Alcohol policy
This year, the Midwest Morris Ale will be a bring your own (BYO) format, in accordance with Camp St. Croix’s new policy (no hard liquor). The camp restrictions have made providing kegged alcoholic beverages both cost-prohibitive and logistically complicated. As a small bonus, the Ale fee has been reduced, due to the exclusion of alcoholic beverages provided by the Ale.
We encourage out-of-town Ale registrants to connect with locals to help acquire provisions. There are six liquor stores within minutes of the Ale site (Hello, Wisconsin!)
To avoid purchasing disposable Styrofoam coolers, we encourage local registrants to bring any spare coolers for our friends. Collapsible coolers also might be a good option for out-of-town folks to bring. Please plan accordingly.
Mass dances
We plan to teach the mass dances online prior to the Ale and add to our collection of teaching videos. We will also review the mass dances on Friday night of the Ale. For more information, visit our Mass Dances page
Shirts
This year, shirts are available by pre-order online. Order ahead and get your shirt shipped to your house in time to bring it to the Ale.
Financial Aid
The Midwest Morris Ale provides financial aid to community members for whom the cost of attending an Ale is a hardship. This is made possible through the generous donations of other members of the community. There is no age restriction or skill requirement. To learn more about financial aid and apply, visit our financial aid page.
Venue and Travel
For more information about travel, COVID-19 testing on arrival, and the Camp St. Croix site, please check out our page on Venue and Travel. Also included – Packing List!
Silent Auction
Bring something cool for the silent auction …
ARTHUR KNOWLES MEMORIAL
Arthur H. Knowles
1948 – 2023
Memorial Service
Tapestry Folkdance Center
3748 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN
June 3, 2023, 2-5pm
Please join the folk dance community on Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 2-5 at Tapestry Folkdance Center as we remember Arthur Knowles. There will be a Morris circle dance for all to join and a special Morris dance dedicated to Arthur, performed by Minnesota Traditional Morris. There will also be a Raoulite Death Day Ceremonial, an open mic session, and a closing toast and song.