Preparations for FAFF underway in Naselle

The volunteers for the Finnish-American Folk Festival in Naselle are moving into high gear as it fast approaches on July 23-25.

It will once again be held at the Naselle School at the junctions of highways 4 and 401 and is a celebration of the culture and community of the area.

More than 70 performers will participate in the festival in more than 15 groups on three stages. They will dance, sing, recite, and tell stories of their “mummus” (grandmas). Most performers live in the Northwest. Naselle choirs, kanteles, and marimba band are just some of the home-grown acts that are well-represented.

The Sillanpääs of Finland return once more; Jemina and Selina with their father Seppo mix bluegrass, tight harmonies and old time American duets with soulful eastern European music. The Sillanpääs will also offer two workshops, one on Friday for young people; another on Saturday on harmonies and Finnish music.

Other performers include singer and musician Terhi Mikki-Broersma; logger poet/ songwriter Carl Wirkkala, who is currently recording in Nashville; the Katrilli dancers and the popular Scandia Dancers of Astoria.

The festival offers many chances to participate informally as well: in sing-alongs, in coffee and conversation groups, in learning to play the kantele, to speak Finnish, to cook Finnish –American style, to trace one’s own ancestry, and to tell stories of their grandparents, particularly their grandmothers.

The cultural programming starts at 10 a.m. Friday and continues Saturday. Lectures, speakers, workshops, a stunning film, and home movies of early days of logging all fill the two days. At least 17 different topics address Finnish, Americana, the Northwest, and Naselle.

This year the festival is inviting people to look back and recall “Mummu” or grandma stories. The committee wants to recognize older women who have inspired, influenced and amused you. The program provides a place for sharing these stories at the “Open Mic” Saturday afternoon at the Courtyard stage. The MCs will also weave Mummu stories into the program throughout the day.

Visitors are also encouraged to join in the grand entry at 10 a.m. Saturday morning, walking in with a favorite Mummu or older person they admire from their family or town.

The festival ends on Sunday with an ecumenical worship service, a coffee hour, and celebration of the 100 year anniversary at the Peaceful Hill Cemetery in Naselle.