Finnish Ingenuity: Necessity is the Mother of Invention Exhibit
1:00pm - on
Grandma’s living room
Attendees this year are invited to bring with them actual thingamajigs, widgets, and knockoffs to create an exhibit titled “Finnish Ingenuity: Necessity Is the Mother of Invention.” Items range from domestic to work-related to out-of-doors to social activities, among others. Place your contributions on the table in Grandma’s Living Room.
Registration Nature Scavenger Hunt
1:00pm-5pm
East Hill Farm Office
Obtain Nature Scavenger Hunt form for a unique weekend activity
Needle Felting - Judy Jacobetz
2:30pm-3:30pm
Craft Workshop
Crafting workshop with Judy Jacobetz
Participation limit of 25 participants, $20 materials cost
Learn the art of needle felting and create your own felted gnome in this fun one-hour workshop! Using just wool and a needle, you will create the body and face of your very own gnome, and learn how to create the characteristics that will make your gnome unique. No experience necessary.
Sauna WOMEN only
3:00pm-4:00pm
Outside
A Traditional Wood Fired Sauna Experience
Got Sauna will be at The Inn at East Hill Farm celebrating FinnFunn2025
register: https://event.racereach.com/finnfunn
Video: Serving in the Finnish Military During the Winter War-Interview with Arno Kolm
3:00pm-4:00pm
Adult Recreation Room
The Finnish American Heritage Society in Canterbury, CT, has conducted video recordings of its members as a way to preserve its heritage and to inform anyone interested in the Finnish and Finnish American community there. One interviewee is Arno Kolm who was born and reared in Finland. In the interview, the late Mr. Kolm recounts his Winter War experiences.
Drop-in Nature Crafts - Jean Brunter
3:00pm-5:00pm
Dining room
Learn to Play Finnish Card Game Ristiseiska - Katrina Mackey
3:00pm-5:00pm
Monadnock room
Katrina will teach this card game during FinnFunn Weekend. Ristiseiska, Finnish for the seven of clubs, is popular in Finland; it’s a version of Domino. She will explain the rudiments of the game, then play a hand with participants who are encouraged to continue the card game in groups of 3-5 throughout the weekend. Copies of the rules will be available.
Nature’s Inspiration in Finnish Art – Kristi Holohan
4:00pm-4:45pm
Small Dining Room
Through a visual presentation, we will take a peek at both historic and contemporary art in Finland with its deep roots in the natural word. We will explore historic folk symbolism, the classic works exhibited at the Art Museum Ateneum in Helsinki, the Helsinki Design District, current trend pop-artist Kim Simonsson and the national treasure of beloved Marimekko print identity. Participants in the workshop will also have an option to participate in a hands-on printmaking activity creating a two-color design of a blueberry and leave with a charming print.
Sauna MEN only
4:00pm - 5:00pm Or 5:00pm -6:30pm
Outside
A Traditional Wood Fired Sauna Experience
Got Sauna will be at The Inn at East Hill Farm celebrating FinnFunn2025
register: https://event.racereach.com/finnfunn
Reception: Frogg Brewing Company Beer Tasting - Music by Bernie Nowak & Carolyn Sanford
5:15pm-6:00pm
Dining Room
Attendees at FinnFunn are invited to join in tasting a selection of craft beers. www.froggbrewing.com
Frogg Brewing Company Beer - Michael & Stephanie Guitard and Alex Rice
Music by Bernie Nowak & Carolyn Sanford
IIIallinen / Dinner
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Dining Room
Dinner at East Hill Farm is a warm, communal experience, where guests gather around a long, rustic table for a family-style meal. With attentive table service, diners enjoy hearty, farm-to-table dishes that highlight the freshest local ingredients, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere perfect for good conversation and great food.
Sauna Session
6:30pm – 8:00pm
Outside
A Traditional Wood Fired Sauna Experience
Got Sauna will be at The Inn at East Hill Farm celebrating FinnFunn2025
register: https://event.racereach.com/finnfunn
7:30pm – 9:30pm
Dining Room
FinnFunn 2025 planning committee is pleased that Oivan Ilo has returned to this year’s event. Oivan Ilo (Oiva’s Joy) dance band began in 1995; it’s named for Christine’s father Oiva Anderson (1923-2001), an active member of the Finnish American community in New Hampshire and in Massachusetts.
Video
9:30pm
Adult Recreaiton Room
More information to come
Finns & Nature
Friday 10/26 Schedule
Saturday 10/27 Schedule
Sunday 10/28 Schedule
Aamiainen / Breakfast
7:30am-8:30am
Dining Room
hyvää huomenta / good morning
Breakfast at East Hill Farm offers a warm and welcoming start to the day with hearty, home-cooked dishes. The cozy atmosphere and beautiful rural setting make it a perfect spot for a relaxed and satisfying morning meal.
Raffle Tickets - On Sale
8:30am-7:00pm
Small Dining Room
View the annual raffle and silent auction items in the Small Dining Room. Proceeds go to benefit FinnFunn Weekend. Tickets are available for purchase from Stan Karro and Jackie Harjula
Tori / Finnish Marketplace
9:00am-2:00pm
Emerson Elementary School
Visit our lively market that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Finnish immigrants in the United States. Our Tori showcases traditional Finnish activities. Visitors can enjoy local artisans display handmade goods like knitwear and wooden items. The tori also often features live folk music, with a vibrant and festive atmosphere that honors Finnish customs and brings people together.
Organized by Martha Silander Accompanying music by Bernie & Carolyn
Contest: Cell Phone Tossing
9:00am-2:00pm
Volleyball Court, EHF Main Lawn
The Finnish Cell Phone Throwing Contest, held annually in Savonlinna, is a quirky and fun competition where participants hurl mobile phones as far as they can. Originating in 2000, the event celebrates creativity and humor, attracting competitors from around the world. The contest is not only a test of strength and precision but also a celebration of Finnish culture and a nod to the nation’s historical connection to mobile phone innovation.
Finns and Nature, Nature in Finns -Hanna Pylväinen
10:00am-10:45am
Dining Room
In researching the novel, The End of Drum-Time, Pylväinen took six trips to northernmost Finland and Sápmi, spending time with a family of reindeer herders and on her own in a cabin at the edge of the Nordic Sea. In this presentation Pylväinen will discuss my time among the Sámi, her own sense of kinship to them via nature, and share some reflections on the relationship between nature and religion (pre-Christian and Laestadian). She will also use excerpts of my novel to show how these thoughts worked their way into the fiction and characters.
Sauna session
10:00am-11:00am
Outside
A Traditional Wood Fired Sauna Experience
Got Sauna will be at The Inn at East Hill Farm celebrating FinnFunn2025
register: https://event.racereach.com/finnfunn
Sauna MEN only
11:00am-12:00pm
Outside
A Traditional Wood Fired Sauna Experience
Got Sauna will be at The Inn at East Hill Farm celebrating FinnFunn2025
register: https://event.racereach.com/finnfunn
Lounas / Lunch
12:15pm – 1:15pm
Dining Room
hyvää iltapäivää/ good afternoon
A country lunch at East Hill Farm brings rustic charm to the table with hearty, farm-fresh dishes like roasted meats, seasonal vegetables, and homemade breads. Enjoy a relaxed, down-to-earth meal surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the farm.
Sauna WOMEN only
12:00pm-1:00pm OR 1:00pm-2:00pm
Outside
A Traditional Wood Fired Sauna Experience
Got Sauna will be at The Inn at East Hill Farm celebrating FinnFunn2025
register: https://event.racereach.com/finnfunn
Chainsaw Wood Carving - John Ketonen
1:45pm-2:30pm
Monadnock Room
John will discuss his chainsaw carving, focusing on the type of wood and chainsaws used, safety gear, and different techniques used in finishing the results. Some examples will be on display.
Musical Journey Around the World -Violinist Charlotte Loukola
Finlandia Foundation National's Performer of the Year
1:45pm-2:30pm
Dining Room
This performance takes the audience on a trip around the world, exploring different genres of music and the wide variety of ways to play the violin. Charlotte's performance features pop, classical, folk and fiddle music. In this program you will hear a Japanese folk tune Sakura, which is about cherry blossom season and J.S. Bach's Ciaconna, which is a classical music masterpiece drawing inspiration from the world God created. We will also take a look into Finnish nature through A. Blomqvist's piece Pohjola. This piece reflects the harsh Finnish nature in the northern part of the country. The encore of this program is the beloved Myrskyluodon Maija, which in turn depicts Finnish island life and the power of nature.
Video
1:45pm-2:30pm
Dining Room
More Information to come
Sauna session
2:15pm-3:15pm
Outside
A Traditional Wood Fired Sauna Experience
Got Sauna will be at The Inn at East Hill Farm celebrating FinnFunn2025
register: https://event.racereach.com/finnfunn
Punainen (red) Brightens Nature’s Color Palette - Kristi Holohan
2:45pm-3:30pm
Recreation Room
Discover the origins of the red earth dyes and paints that are part of the national identity of Finland. From the wooden colored buildings that serve more than simply vibrant hues, to dyed fibers, fabrics, and costumes, the naturally derived iconic red color comes from the minerals in Finland. Learn more about the color, its uses, even in a modern environmental protest action in the capital Helsinki. This workshop will culminate in the creation of traditional paints and inks and a piece of Art from the pigment. There is a $5 participation fee. Limited to 20
Finnish Language : Names in Nature – Saija Laurla
2:45pm-3:30pm
Dining Room
The importance of nature shows in Finnish name history. There are plenty of first names and even more of the surnames taken from the nature-vocabulary. Rather than describing a person by their profession (ex. Smith, Taylor, Fisher, Baker…) in 1921 when it became mandatory for one to have a surname, Finns named themselves by their houses or nearby elements of nature. (Joki, Kivi, Kallio, Lehto). Join for this interesting chapter of Finnish surname history and learn to pronounce Finnish words. If you have ever wondered why nature is so important for Finns, or why do you feel so connected with nature, this might be an explanation you have been looking for.
Writing Workshop - Susan Cloutier & Charlotte Locke
2:45pm-4:45pm
Monadnock Room
Writing Workshop, Limit 12
Sauna session
3:15pm-4:15pm
Outside
A Traditional Wood Fired Sauna ExperienceGot Sauna will be at The Inn at East Hill Farm celebrating FinnFunn2025register: https://event.racereach.com/finnfunn
Learn to Play Finnish Card Game: Ristiseiska - Katrina Mackey
3:15pm-4:15pm
Monadnock Room
Katrina will teach this card game during FinnFunn Weekend. Ristiseiska, Finnish for the seven of clubs, is popular in Finland; it’s a version of Domino. She will explain the rudiments of the game, then play a hand with participants who are encouraged to continue the card game in groups of 3-5 throughout the weekend. Copies of the rules will be available.
Sauna session
4:15pm – 5:15pm OR 5:15pm – 6:45pm
Outside
A Traditional Wood Fired Sauna ExperienceGot Sauna will be at The Inn at East Hill Farm celebrating FinnFunn2025register: https://event.racereach.com/finnfunn
Reception, Music by Bernie & Carolyn
5:15pm – 6:00pm
Dining Room
Traditional Folk Music
Note: Sing Maamme, Star Spangled Banner, Roy Helander
Illallinen / Dinner
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Dining Room
hyvää Ilta / good evening
At East Hill Farm, a home-cooked meal is a communal experience, where guests gather at long wooden tables, sharing laughter and stories. Enjoy a simple, hearty meal that fosters connection and creates lasting memories.
Metku Band - Finnish Dance Demonstration
7:30pm – 9:30pm
Dining Room
Metku Band: Michael Ludgate, Katrina Mackey, Phil Robinson
Finnish dance demonstration: Nancy & Bernie Nowak, Katy & Barry Heiniluoma
The Metku players entertain participants on Saturday evening. Their repertoire features a variety of traditional Finnish American music and dance tunes: waltzes, polkas, schottisches, mazurkas, hambos, tangos. The band accompanies Bernie and Nancy, Barry and Katy as they demonstrate selected Finnish dances. Following, audience participation is encouraged. Listen to the group play the “Sisu Polkka.” Watch them online
Aamiainen / Breakfast
7:30am-8:30am
Dining Room
hyvää huomenta / good morning
Breakfast at East Hill Farm offers a hearty, homemade spread featuring fresh eggs, produce, and warm baked goods. Guests can enjoy a cozy, rustic atmosphere while savoring delicious.
Foraging Walk - David Wichland
9:00am-9:45pm
Outside
More information to come
Book Discussion: Nature & Well Being - Patti Folsom
9:00am-9:45am
Monadnock Room
Read one or both books and join in a lively discussion about how nature affects our well-being. Selected books for discussion are The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative, by Florence Williams, c. 2017, and Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness by Dr. Qing Li, c. 2018. (This book was republished as Into the Forest, c. 2019. Same book with a different title and cover).
Finnish Jeopardy! Suomalainen Varra - Michael Cappello
9:00am-9:45am
Dining Room
Join us for a Jeopardy!-style contest featuring Finnish and Finnish American trivia. Three competitive teams test their knowledge to figure out which one can quickly answer questions to be crowned the Finnish Jeopardy! champions. Join a team or cheer on fellow FinnFunn attendees as they seek to demonstrate trivia mastery - an event sure to entertain, educate, and excite all.
Finnish Mushroom Recipes - Saija Laurla
10:00am-10:45am
Dining Room
Had Saija Laurla been a traditional woman respecting old traditions and taking husband’s surname when married, her name would now be Saija Rousku Rouva Rousk, meaning Mrs. Mushroom. Although Saija has always loved mushroom picking and mushroom dishes, sometimes too much is just too much. Therefore, you are most welcome to join this session as she prepares one recipe for mushroom pie – Sienipiirakka. There will also be other mushroom recipes shared while learning different mushroom species: torvisieni, kantarelli, karvarousku, suppilovahvero, herkkutatti…
Humorous Finnish Stories & Jokes - ages 16+ - Stephen Trimble
11:00am – 11:45am
Dining Room
The Finnish are often characterized as unassuming, emotionless - even humorless. But, of course, Finns love humor, especially if it’s understated. Join Stephen as he captures joy and laughter through funny stories and Finnish jokes. Add a story or joke of your own that demonstrates the importance to Finns of merriment and humor in their lives.
Lounas / Lunch
12:15pm – 1:15pm
Dining Room
hyvää iltapäivää/ good afternoon
Lunch at East Hill Farm features wholesome, flavorful dishes made with fresh ingredients, served in a relaxed, countryside setting.
