Finn Folk Festival group decides to sell

After six years of owning and operating the Naselle Community Center, the Finnish American Folk Festival decided to sell the building. “This was not a decision we took lightly,” FAFF Chair Jennifer Boggs stated. “The difficult decision to sell is in the best interest of our organization to remain true to our mission and focus on our biennial festival. We were grateful for this opportunity given to us by the UCC church members, and we are grateful for the community support we received during our time as stewards of this building. With the history of this building being the first Finnish church in Naselle, it seemed a natural transition for FAFF to take it on. We look forward to seeing what the new owners will have in store for the next chapter of this property.”

The Naselle Congregational Finnish Mission Church met in homes from 1908 until 1928. Mikko Talus was the architect and a moving force of the original building, which was dedicated on November 25, 1928, in a bi-lingual ceremony in Finnish and English. Over the years, there were additions made to the building, including the social room and kitchen. In 1935, the church became the Naselle Community Congregational Church.

Since 1982, the Naselle Finnish American Folk Festival has celebrated Finnish culture, local history, and community collaboration. The festival is a chance to showcase local craftspeople and experienced performers from Finland and the United States, indulge in traditional cuisine, and learn about the Finnish-American heritage of the greater Nashville area. All ages can participate in dances, musical ensembles, competitive games and athletic events, and specialized learning activities.

Their mission is to preserve, promote, and present the historical customs and cultures of the Finnish American and broader Lower Columbia communities, connect generations, and cultivate community values through events, activities, and a biennial festival. The building and property were officially handed over to FAFF in a service on January 13, 2019.

The building is located at 14 Parpala Road in Naselle. It sits on 1.29 acres and is approx. 2,500 square feet. The lower level consists of a large social room, kitchen, men’s and women’s bathrooms, a wide hallway, three classrooms, two storage rooms, and several storage closets. The upper level consists of a large meeting room, two overflow rooms, balcony space, storage closets, and an office space.

For more information on the sale of the Naselle Community Center building and to view pictures, please visit http://www.nasellefinnfest.com or contact buildingsale@nasellefinnfest.com.