The Finlandia Association of Thunder Bay with support from The Finnish Canadian Cultural Federation will host Finn Festival 2016 during Juhannus (Mid-Summer) June 24-26, 2016 at the National Historic site: The Finnish Labour Temple at 314 Bay Street and Tapiola Park in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Finn Festival 2016 is a yearly celebration of Finnish language, Culture and history. Last Year Finn Festival was held in Toronto. There have been 45 Finnish Grand Festival’s held iacross Canada since 1971.
The Finnish Labour Temple is owned and operated by a volunteer board of the Finlandia Association of Thunder Bay (FA). The building is a major tourist attraction known for its world famous Hoito restaurant and for its place in Canadian labour, cultural, and immigration history. The FA plans and coordinates special community events hosted in our venue – Finnish Heritage Celebration, St. Urho’s Day, Midsummer Festival (Juhannus), Finnish Independence Day, and is partners with other not-for profit arts organizations such as the Bay Street Film Festival, Cambrian Players, Comedy Night at the Finlandia, Kikuriit Dancers, and many more.
Plans include an indoor Tori celebrating artisan work and entrepreneurial excellence. There will be a beer garden and an outdoor stage, Finnish food and day long entertainment in the Finlandia hall and two evening dances both nights. The Festival will host a fundraiser dinner with Finnish Ambassador to Canada, Charles Murto at the Prince Arthur Hotel Saturday.
The Festival will feature local musicians, Danny Johnson, John Skaffeo, Kai Leinonen and International talent such as Inkeri Tuikka, “Conga Se Menne”, Kivajat Finnish American Folk Dancers, Author Mark Munger and films by Tinna Meling. Other talent includes: the Toronton Pelimannit, Kiikurit Kansantanhukerho, Oras Chamber choir, comedy and skits by Cambrian Players and People of Ordinary Power. Come celebrate Juhannus (the summer solstice) with us!