FAFF takes time to celebrate grandmas

July 23-25 will be the time for all mummus (grandmas), their descendants, and friends to gather in Naselle to celebrate Finnish roots.

The Finnish American Folk Festival organizers are once again busy planning quality programming, exhibits, workshops, and activities for all ages. The theme "My Mummu and Me" will be the focal point of the photography exhibit. Organizers request poignant photos representing this theme. Photos should have identifying information such as names of subjects, name and contact information of the person sending them. Photos can be sent via email to: ronald.malerich@verizon.net or mailed to Ronald Malerich, 341 West Deep River Road, Naselle, WA 98638. The organizers also request stories, vignettes, poems, and original songs related to this theme which the FAFF may publish or can use in the festival. All such materials can be sent to: FAFF, P. O. Box 156, Naselle, WA 98638 or emailed to phil@naselle.net.

Sporting events will once again include a Golf Tournament at the Peninsula Golf Course in Long Beach on July 22. Pre-registration is necessary. The forms can be downloaded from the website or call Mike Swanson at 360-751-1565. The Paavo Nurmi 5K run/walk, held on Saturday also requires pre-registration if a souvenir T-shirt is desired. Again, the registration form can be downloaded from the website or call Jennifer Bennet at 914-400-5481. Other Saturday sports events such as the wife carry, boot toss and Nokia phone toss, have registration on the day of the event.

Friday activities begin at 10 a.m. with a featured film highlighting Estonia's fight for independence from the USSR. All the exhibits (photography, arts and crafts, art and flowers, quilts, Finnish war memorabilia, logging), the Tori (marketplace), and food vendors open at this same hour. Performers once again fill the courtyard in the afternoon and the stage in the Commons in the evening. In addition, special cultural presentations with discussions happen all day Friday.

Saturday the Cultural Programming Series and performances continue all day. Saturday additions include food demonstrations, arts and crafts demonstrations, music and genealogy workshops, plus a dance in the evening for those of all ages.

Sunday highlights are a community wide Worship Service followed by pulla (cardamom bread) and coffee. Note that the exhibits, food vendors, and Tori will not be open that day.

The website is http://www.finnam.naselle.net.

Potential performers should contact Sue Holway: puhuseh@willapabay.org or 360-665-4272.

Those interested in having a Tori vendor booth should contact Wendy Strange at wstrange@wwest.net or 360-484-7778.

Those seeking further information or potential lecturers or discussion leaders should contact Anita Raistakka at phil@naselle.net or 360-484-3376.