FinnFest 2011
Newsletter Calling all Finns, Finnish Americans and Friends of Finland:
FinnFest 2011 is almost here!
The City of San Diego has declared August 2011 The Month of Finland – and we are excited to invite you to come and join us in celebrating this beautiful Northern land and its rich cultural heritage.
Held in the heart of San Diego August 10-14, FinnFest 2011 boasts a program jam-packed with events, entertainment and activities, offering something for everyone. Planned with your convenience in mind, most events take place at the Town & Country Resort, located near all major local attractions and the popular Fashion Valley shopping center.
The four main categories of the festival program include Education, Well Being, pioneering Clean Technology, and Arts & Culture. Proudly presented by culinary experts, fashion and beauty industry professionals, artists, musicians, environmental and technology specialists, FinnFest 2011 combines the conventional and the contemporary. Come and find your FinnFest favorites, experience the new generation of performances and exhibitions, visit an authentic Finnish Tori Marketplace, and indulge in Finnish foods and beverages while being entertained by Finnish music across various genres. Fun for the whole family is guaranteed; while parents take to the dance floor, youngsters can meet and greet Moomin characters or even have a go at skateboarding!
As a special guest in the Business Forum, FinnFest is pleased to welcome Rovio, developer of the wireless game Angry Birds, which continues to be the most downloaded iPhone application in numerous international markets. Angry Birds has become a global phenomenon, reinforcing Finland ’s position in the forefront of technological development. The title is currently being expanded across a range of platforms, from different interactive devices to the big screen – with the Angry Birds Rio movie set to hit theaters April 15.
Town & Country Resort is now accepting reservations – be sure to book your accommodation early as the rooms fill up fast during the peak summer season! For more information, you can simply click on the following link and visit our newly refreshed website: http://www.finnfest2011.com
Event registration is now also available online – log on, get your tickets, and be ready to...
We are the champions
We did it! Or actually Finland ’s national hockey team Leijonat -“The Lions”- DID IT. They won the gold medal at the IIHF world hockey championship. They are the champions as well as we all.
Is there any better time to celebrate Finland ? Get your tickets to FinnFest 2011 and book your hotel room from the Town and Country hotel. And you are ready to go!
Top Chef Stefan Richter is preparing Friday night gala dinner at FinnFest 2011. On Saturday August 12th, you can participate in a “meet and greet” with Stefan. He couldn’t be happier and prouder to be a Finn at this moment. When asked what it means to be part of FinnFest 2011, he says:
“We won against Sweden 6 to one. That is enough explanation.”
You can quickly get started planning your time in San Diego by perusing the following tentative program schedule, or go online to get the latest list of events.
Wednesday, August 10
- Opening Ceremony
- California Barbecue & Pool Party - Conga se Menne Entertainment
Thursday, August 11
- Children’s Theater: Santa Claus and Magic Drum
- Musical Theater: Elvis X 3
- Electric kantele concert by Anttu Koistinen
- Choir concert by Walentina Kören
- Classical Music Concert with Folke Gräsbeck, Will Haapaniemi, Mikko Raasakka
Friday, August 12
- Keynote Speaker (TBA)
- Children’s program: Musical scenes from the Moomin Valley
- Theater: Tyrmäys (Knock-out)
- Folk Music Concert with Polka Chicks, Leikarit etc, folk dancing by Pörriäiset and Katirilli Folk Dancing Groups
- Gala Dinner and Marimekko Fashion Show: Celebrity Chef Stefan Richter, hostess Anna Easteden, dancing to the music of Lenni-Kalle Taipale and Sami Pitkämö
Saturday, August 13
- Ballroom Dance Competition
- Golf Tournament
- Gospel Concert with Pekka and Henna Simojoki
- Kantele Concert with Wilho Saari, Merja Soria, Anttu Koistinen and numerous other kantele players
- Modern Dance performance by PunkkiCo
- Musical Theater: Elvis X 3
- Nina Sallinen Theater performance: Poor, Poor Lear
- Finnish Chamber Music concert
- Finnish Rock Concert: Ismo Alanko Teholla and J. Karjalainen
Sunday, August 14
- Celebration Church Services with Archbishop of Finland, Pekka Simojoki music
- Closing Ceremony
Every day: Lectures, cooking demonstrations, Tori marketplace, Art Exhibits
Every night: Poolside Party, Concert and Dancing to tunes of Pirkko Mannola, Vieno Kekkonen, Pekka Pentikäinen, Maria Kizirian, Kaleva All Stars, PasiCats, Tyttökullat, etc.
We recommend that you book your room at the Town & Country Resort, the FinnFest 2011 venue! (See link on the side bar, mention “FinnFest” to get the special deals, starting at $118 per night).
