Events

Finlandia Foundation Suomi Chapter

We want to hear from you!

Are you a Finlandia Foundation Suomi Chapter member or interested in joining us at any events? Do you read our newsletter? Are you a Finn, Finnish-American, or otherwise have a connection to Finland and are living in the Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan county area? We want to hear from you! Please take some time to write to us and tell us how we can better serve you. ffsuomi@gmail.com

Upcoming Event

Annual Independence Day Dinner
Sunday, December 10, 2023
We will be meeting at the Northwater Restaurant located in the Holiday Inn & Suites, 4260 Mitchell Way, Bellingham 98226. It is located between the airport terminal and I-5. Join us from 5:00 to 8:00 PM for a Mediterranean dinner, speaker and festivities. We are requesting advance payment of $50 as your RSVP. You can pay online either via PayPal or by debit or credit card. Just use the Donate button near the top of the home page. Make sure to include "Independence Dinner" in the membership/donation section so we will know your intentions. Please contact us via email at ffsuomi@gmail.com if you would like us to call you to make the payment over the phone or for other forms of payment. Final day to make a reservation is Friday, December 1st.

Items to be auctioned off include three 26" long kanteles (one with a walnut case) and a 24" x 24" walnut framed LED backlit photo of a Finnish sauna built on a lake.

Recent Events
Juhannus (Midsummer Celebration)

Saturday, June 24 from 3-7pm at Birch Bay State Park
Activities for the day included a talk on midsummer traditions across Europe by WWU professor Dr. Vajda, a campfire and picnic fare (hotdogs, salads, s'mores supplies). A $15 suggested donation for food was requested of all. We had a banquet permit, so people were able to bring their own beer or wine to enjoy! We' also had lawn games (Molkky anyone?) and the beach wasjust a short walk away (low tide was at 4pm). It was a great time for all those who were able to join us.

Vappu (May Day) was celebrated on Sunday, April 30, 2023.
The event was held at the lower, fully-enclosed pavilion at Fairhaven Park from 12:00 until 2:30. All Finns, Finnish-Americans and friends of Finland were welcomed. Refreshments were of the pot luck variety, and many people brought along their favorite Finnish or Nordic dishes that were shared with others.

Very Successful Finnish Film Festival at the FireHouse Arts and Events Center in Fairhaven
Friday evening, February 3, until Sunday evening, February 5, 2023

Our inaugural Finnish Film Festival was a tremendous success. Roughly 250 people came to see 9 films and listen to a guest speaker talk about Tove Jansson. The films ranged from full-length feature Finnish films to documentaries about Finland to shorter movies made by local Bellingham students in association with students in Finland. Finnish snacks were available in addition to a variety of Finnish merchandise items for sale. The event was a great time to learn more about Finland, its history, its culture and enjoy some famous Finnish movies. Please click on the Film Festival link above to see photos of the event.