Finnish Design Blog

Finn Grand Fest kicks off tomorrow, July 28th – August 1st, in Sault Ste. Marie (Ontario, Canada). Finn Grand Fest is a North American Finnish Cultural Festival that is held every 5 years between the United States and Canada. The festival will celebrate and promote Finnish culture. The 5 day festival is filled with everything Finland: Over 100 musical and dance performances, well-known guest speakers, workshops, sporting events, a language camp, the Tori marketplace, film festival, spiritual programs, children’s events and more. To keep up with what is going on at Finn Grand Fest this year, be sure to check out the official Finn Grand Fest website for video clips, photos and other information.

It’s almost time for Finn Grand Fest 2010; and as he does every year, Oiva Toikka has created another glass masterpiece to honor this year’s event that is being held in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, on July 28th through August 1st. The Iittala Toikka Gray Jay is this year’s Finn Grand Fest bird. Only 500 of these limited edition Iittala glass birds were produced so be sure to hurry and get yours now before they’re gone forever.

It’s almost time for FinnFest 2009, and as he does every year, Oiva Toikka has created another masterpiece to honor this year’s event. The Alaska Loon is this year’s FinnFest bird. Only 500 of these limited edition Iittala glass birds were produced so be sure to hurry and get yours now before they’re gone forever.

Congratulations to Sirpa T. (Berkeley, CA) and Judy T. (Cloquet, MN) who each won a
glass bird by Iittala in a drawing held at the FinnStyle booth at FinnFest. There were over 700 entries in the drawing for chance to win either a Common Redpoll glass bird by Oiva Toikka or a Cotton Candy glass bird by Anu Penttinen. The Common Redpoll was Toikka’s official bird for FinnFest 2008. The Anu Penttinen collection was released this year by Iittala.

I thought I’d post several photos of our special guests who stopped by our FinnStyle booth at FinnFest last week. It was a real honor to have three prominent figures in the Finnish community participate with us. Many thanks to Beatrice, Osmo and David for taking the time to visit and sign their works. FinnFest 2008 was a great success!

Our FinnStyle booth at FinnFest 2008 in Duluth, MN.

Beatrice Ojakangas is a well-known chef and author of over 25 Finnish/Scandinavian cookbooks.

Osmo Vänskä is an acclaimed conductor of the Minnesota Orchestra.

David Salmela is an accomplished architect whose original designs and buildings have won multiple industry awards.

FinnFest 2008 has come and gone and what a time it was. The excitement started last Wednesday and ended last night with an estimated 7,000 people taking part in the Finnish celebration. FinnFest definitely offered a chance to “learn, celebrate and grow” Finland as there was something for everyone. The five day festival in Duluth (Minnesota) was filled with a variety of renowned speakers, talented music acts, delicious Finnish food, even a fashion show and of course plenty of booths to shop for your favorite Finnish merchandise (i.e. Marimekko accessories, Aalto vases, Iittala glassware). The festival was highlighted by an unforgettable ceremony with the President of Finland, Tarja Halonen, speaking and receiving an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Our friend Angela (at frozenreindeer.com) has posted a great recap of her FinnFest trip, complete with many photos and video clips! To read and see more of the sights and sounds of FinnFest 2008, please visit FinnFest 2008, Flickr, Duluth News Tribune and the Frozen-Reindeer blog.

(pictures courtesy of Angela @ frozenreindeer.com)

FinnFest 2008 is officially underway in Duluth, MN, at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. Our retail store, FinnStyle, is in attendance so please be sure to stop by booth #70 and say hi. FinnFest (July 23-27) is packed with five solid days of great events this year. Some of the things that FinnishGifts/FinnStyle are bringing to the table is the opportunity to meet with three of the most prominent members of the Finnish-American community, Osmo Vänskä, Beatrice Ojakangas and David Salmela.

Osmo Vänskä is the revered conductor of the Minnesota Orchestra and has recently received a Grammy nomination for his classical works. He will be available to visit and sign Minnesota Orchestra CDs on Saturday morning at 10:00-10:30 AM.

Beatrice Ojakangas is a Duluth native and well-known chef and author of various Finnish and Scandinavian cookbooks. She will be signing her cookbooks on Friday from 4:00-4:30 PM and Saturday 2:00-2:30 PM.

David Salmela is an accomplished Minnesota architect whose original designs and buildings have won multiple industry awards. David will be available to sign posters, photographs and the book, Salmela Architect, on Thursday at 1:00-1:30 PM and Saturday between 10:30-11:00 AM.

Come visit us at FinnFest 2008 – FinnStyle booth at the tori.

FinnFest 2008 will be held in Duluth, MN on July 23-27, 2008 at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center. The event will be one of the biggest summer events in Duluth with over 7,000 Finns and friends expected to attend. “Sharing the Spirit of Finland” will be the main theme for the FinnFest 2008, which marks the 25th FinnFest USA event celebrating the Finnish culture and heritage.

More information at the official FinnFest 2008 site.