This week, Bjurådalen's rural community association has gathered strength to be able to offer a palt dinner in the association building in the village of Forsnäs.
This is the first event held since Fat Tuesday 2020.
- They are happy and happy that we have been able to open again.
It feels great.
Very nice, says Monika Granström who serves steaming hot coat.
Three potato slices and a hearty ladle of pork
One of the first to be served is Leif Andersson from the village of Ängesträsk.
He starts with three potato wedges and a hearty ladle of fried pork.
- I will eat this with good appetite.
And then go home and feel good afterwards, he says and smiles.
The pandemic has been a tough time for many rural farms financially because it has not been possible to implement any income-generating events.
Thanks to operating support from the municipality, Bjurådalen's rural association has managed the costs for heating.
"Hard time for many"
Hillevi Sandström from Niemisel is chairman of Bygdegårdarnas riksförbund in Norrbotten.
At present, 95 associations from the county are affiliated there.
- It has been a difficult time for many.
They have barricaded themselves again in their house and then it has been dead there for two seasons, we can say, she says.
According to Hillevi Sandström, the rural farms are very important for many villages.
- In most villages where there are rural farms, it is the big gathering point.