Finnish heritage celebrated

People gathered last weekend in Naselle for the biennial Finnish American Folk Festival. The festival's theme was "Nasel Heritage Days," and during opening ceremonies Saturday, Anna Ehrlund, left, read stories by early Finnish immigrants and their experiences.

Winning the traditional wife carry race were, right, Peter Hakim and Sheriann Wirkkala Hakim of Salem; placing second were, middle, Adam Vogt and Abbey Noon from Skamokawa, and third, left, Audrey Petterson Emlen and Andrew Emlen, Skamokawa.

Sharon VanHeuit, left, Ocean Park, Rose Power, Long Beach, right, and, not pictured, Diana Courtnier, Oysterville, demonstrated the spinning folk art.

Ralph Keyser from the Wahkiakum County Historical Society gave children rides in his miniature train.

A visitor studied some of the many handcrafts on display.