Thunder Bay, ON - Celebrate your inner Finn!
The Finnish Canadian Cultural Federation in partnership with the Finlandia Association of Thunder Bay will host Finn Festival 2016 on June 24-26, 2016 at our National historic site, the Finnish Labour Temple at 314 Bay Street, home of the world famous Hoito Restaurant.
Special events will also take place at the Thunder Bay Library Waverly Branch, The Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel and Tapiola Park in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Registration and ticket sales on line at www.finnfestival2016.com and at the Finnish Bookstore at the corner of Bay and Algoma in Thunder Bay.
Registration and the opening ceremonies begin Friday. Saturday Morning Kari Jamsa is leading a Nordic walk to Hillcrest Park from the Hall in support of Lappe and Kamview Jackrabbits.
A Tori (marketplace) celebrating artisan work and entrepreneurial excellence will take place in the newly renovated Heritage Room on the second floor.
Continuous entertainment will take place on the main stage of the Finlandia Hall all day long on Saturday. Plans include an outdoor beer garden, Finnish food and an outdoor stage on the new green space next to the hall.
Put on your dancing shoes because 2 evening dances are scheduled for both Friday and Saturday night! Finnish reggae band “Conga se Menne”, and local bands 21 Gun Fun and Quest will keep you moving until the wee hours.
Check out www. Finnfestival2016.com for details on ticket prices and all events.
Kay Seppälä, winner of the UP Folklife Award will be giving a Finnish Folk Dancing workshop Saturday at the Unitarian Church on Algoma. The Festival will host a fundraiser dinner with Finnish Ambassador to Canada, Charles Murto and Mrs. Ritva Murto at the Prince Arthur Hotel Saturday. This will be the first visit to Thunder Bay for the Ambassador and his wife and they will appear at the opening ceremonies Friday afternoon.
The Festival will feature local musicians, Danny Johnson, John Skaffeo, Kai Leinonen and International talent such as Inkeri Tuikka, “Conga Se Menne”, Kivajat Finnish American Folk Dancers, a book talk by author Mark Munger and films by Finnish filmmaker Tiina Meling.
Other talent includes: the Toronton Pelimannit, Kiikurit Kansantanhukerho, Oras Chamber choir, comedy and skits by Cambrian Players and People of Ordinary Power.
