FIRST FINN FUNN FEST ACTIVITES

FINN FUNN FEST, a mini local Finn Fest will be shaking up the Fairport community on August 8th and 9th. Combined efforts of Ashtabula, Conneaut and Fairport Finns invite your attendance.
The Friday program presented by the Finnish Heritage Museum includes a banquet and program at the Fairport Hungarian Culture Club at 6:30 p.m. with a social hour before at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, August 8. Guests will be entertained by the Swedish Folk Dancers, Chamber Music by Tim and Rachel, Folk and Tango music by Hilkka Helena, with the keynote speaker, Brad Sussman, channel 8 weatherman.

Pelimanni Reijo Jokinen is a favorite a summer festivals in Finland and has a large following due to his radio and recording performances. He has shared the stage with such greats as Eino Gron and Tapani Rautavaara and carries on the great traditions of Finnish grassroots song. Finns can hardly keep from humming along or dancing when overwhelmed by the magic of Reijo's accordion.

The following day, Saturday the 9th, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. there will be a marketplace at the Luther Center on Eagle Street. Vendors and crafters, lectures, Finnish films, children’s activities, and a raffle will be offered. At the Museum Hill from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. there will be food and entertainment with the Stubborn Finns, the Swedish Folk Dancers, and other groups performing. Inside the museum various exhibits are on display. The coffee and gift shop will be open.
Closing out the day’s festivities, a contemporary church service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church at 6:30 p.m.

Registration for the Finn Funn Fest can be made at the Finnish Heritage Museum, P.O. Box 1121, Fairport Harbor, Ohio 44077. Adult admission: $10.00
Banquet: $35.00 per person with registration fee included. Children under 18 are admitted free to Saturday’s events when accompanied by an adult. Banquet price for children is $35.00 also.
For more information about Finn Funn fest, contact Veikko Malkamaki, 440-354-3228.

by Elaine Lillback