Directions to the Tori
NEW LOCATION for TORI/FINNISH MARKETPLACE
Dr George S Emerson Elementary School
27 Rhododendron Road, Fitzwilliam, NH 03447
COMING SOUTH from Troy, NH
(approx. 4.7 miles / 8 minutes)
Take NH-12 South to Lower Troy Rd, Fitzwilliam, NH
* 5 minutes / 3.4 miles
Take Lower Troy Rd to Upper Troy Rd
* two stop signs
* ½ mile – one minute
with common in front of you – take Rt 119-West which is right of the common
bear right on western end of common continuing approximately ¾ mile
take right onto Rhododendron Rd.
School is 500 ft on left
COMING EAST from Winchester, MA
(approx. 13 miles / 19 minutes)
* Take RT-119 East
* RT-119 / Richmond Rd approx. 12 miles
when you see Fire Dept take left for about 1 mile
take left onto Rhododendron Rd
School is 500 ft. on the left.
COMING NORTH from Winchendon, MA
(approx.10 miles from McDonald’s)
Take Rt 12 North until intersection of Rt 12 and Rt 119 West
Take left onto Rt 119 west
continue on Rt 119 West approximately ¼ mile to common
with common on your left – Rt 119 West is side of the right of the common
bear right on western end of common
continuing on Rt 119 approximately ¾ mile of mile
take right onto Rhododendron Rd.
School is 500 ft on left
COMING NORTH from Saima Park/ Fitchburg, MA
(approximately 24 miles / 32 minutes)
Take Rindge Turnpike to MA-119 West in Ashburnham, MA
It will turn into NH-119 West
Stay on NH-119 West straight through intersection with Rt-202 in Rindge (traffic light)
Stay on NH-119 West at intersection with RT-12 in Fitzwilliam
*stop sign / Mr. Mike with Mobil on right
continue straight on Rt 119 West through the intersection approximately ¼ mile
with common on your left – continue on Rt 119 West which is right of the common
bear right on western end of common
continuing on Rt 119 approximately ¾ mile of mile
take right onto Rhododendron Rd.
School is 500 ft on left
COMING WEST from Peterborough, NH
(approx. 16.5 miles / 24 minutes)
At intersection of Rt 101 and Rt 202 follow RT-202 W towards Jaffrey/Rindge
At traffic light in Jaffrey continue on RT-202
*take right at 1 st light
*at next / immediate light take left
*continue on RT-202
At from the RT-119 / Rt 202 intersection (traffic light) in Rindge
take right onto Rt 119 West
continue straight on Rt 119 West through the intersection approximately ¼ mile
with common on your left – continue on Rt 119 West which is right of the common
bear right on western end of common
continuing on Rt 119 approximately ¾ mile of mile
take right onto Rhododendron Rd.
School is 500 ft on left
COMING WEST from Rindge, NH
(approx.. 6.5 miles from the Rt 119 / Rt 202)
Stay on Rt 119 West straight through the intersection with RT-12 approximately ¼ mile
with common on your left – continue on Rt 119 West which is right of the common
bear right on western end of common continuing approximately ¾ mile
take right onto Rhododendron Rd.
School is 500 ft on left
COMING from Keane/Swanzey, NH
(approx.13 miles / 19 minutes)
* take NH-Route 12 South
* from Keene, NH intersection of RT-101 and RT-12 South (near Fire Warehouse)
to George S Emerson School, Fitzwilliam, NH
Finnish Ingenuity: Necessity is the Mother of Invention Exhibit
1:00pm - throughout the weekend
Grandma’s living room
While curious inventors such as Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell tinkered in their well-equipped labs, our Finnish forebears were at home hard at work creating gizmos out of used commercial materials, scraps of wood, rubber, metal, and chance discoveries not only to solve a problem or need, but also to keep their slim wallets pocketed.
This year, attendees are invited to contribute actual thingamajigs, widgets, and knockoffs to this year’s 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. For example, handmade shoe stretchers, clothes pins, wooden mallets, clothesline poles, wooden spoons, skis, engine oil can with spout, wooden snow pusher, metal tools, etc. Photographs and/or written descriptions are welcome, too, especially of small, inventive conveniences that helped make life easier.
Activity: Nature Scavenger Hunt
throughout the weekend
East Hill Farm Office
What could be more enjoyable than a scavenger hunt on a bright fall day? Pick up your Scavenger Hunt form in the East Hill Farm office—at registration or anytime during the weekend—and set out when it best fits your schedule. Go it alone for the thrill of discovery – the Finn way, or team up with friends for extra funn. Along the way, you’ll notice new details of the natural world, explore new corners of the farm, and savor nature’s renewable powers.
2:30pm-3:30pm
Small Dining Room
Participation limit 25, $20 for materials
Learn the art of needle felting and create your own felted gnome in this funn 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.
See FinnFunn printed Program for time slots
Outside
Abundance Mobile Sauna provides wood-fired, authentic sauna sessions. Located in the parking lot adjacent to the EHF Inn, participants can sign up for sauna as a private session or gender specific public session via the registration website at GOTSAUNA.com. Navigate to the FinnFunn event on the public events page to register. All the details are provided on the site. If you are new to the sauna, we will provide all the support you need. Specific sauna times are also located at finnfunn.org and in the printed program. Join Mark and other sauna goers before or after your sauna for some refreshment and conversation.
Mark has also assembled a small fleet of mobile saunas with the sales/consulting services at Got Sauna that promotes the mission of providing authentic Finnish sauna to the public. Coaching folks on the ancient traditions and best practices of sauna enriches the experience to get the most out of a sauna session, reminding sweaters to put enjoyment over endurance.
Video: Serving in the Finnish Military During the Winter War-Interview with Arno Kolm pt. 1 (53 min.)
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.
2:30pm - 4:00pm
Dining Room
No artistic skills necessary. This year, Jean and Sharon invite attendees to drop by the crafts table to create a headband using birch bark-like material as a way to celebrate FF25’s Finns and Nature theme. Crafts in earlier years included Halloween masks and costumes, Moomin and Cod fin masks for the Saturday parade as well as painted rocks and tonttus. A FUNN activity to begin the weekend.
Activity: Learn to Play Finnish Card Game Ristiseiska - Katrina Mackey
3:00pm-5:00pm
Monadnock Room
Katrina will teach this card game two times 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.
Activity: 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.
Activity: Frogg Brewing Company Beer Tasting - Michael and Stephanie Guitard, Alex Rice – music by Bernie Nowak & Carolyn Sanford
5:15pm-6:00pm
Dining Room
Michael has enjoyed a craft beer hobby for over a decade, sampling beers throughout the USA and abroad. Wife Stephanie thought Michael was joking when he determined to own a brewery that, within a year’s time, opened as Frogg Brewing Company. Soon Alex Rice, a professionally trained and certificated brewer, joined Frogg Brewing as an owner and head brewer.” Frogg Brewing” is the theme for naming the company’s many beers, while patrons have had fun decorating the location with countless frog objects and telling folks the stories, real or fanciful, behind them. Attendees at FinnFunn are invited to join in tasting a selection of craft beers, then visiting Frogg Brewing Company at 580 Sawyers Crossing Rd, Swansey, NH 03446 to enjoy a cold one. www.froggbrewing.com
Performance: Revontulet Finnish Folk Dancers with the Oivan Ilo Dance Band- Leila Luopa, Christine Anderson
7:30pm – 9:30pm
Dining Room
A highlight of FinnFunn Weekend, Revontulet brings Finnish and Nordic folk dance to life with authentic steps, colorful national costumes (kansallispuku), and a storied tradition of performance. Accompanied by Christine Anderson and the Oivan Ilo dance band, composed of skillful, seasoned musicians, their lively Finnish and Nordic music combined with the dancers’ graceful movements preserve our heritage while inspiring younger generations
Video: Finnish Happiness Secrets – We Ask People – Fra and Seve (10 min.)
9:40pm
Adult Recreaiton Room
In this video the hosts interview Finnish people and ask them what makes them feel happy in Finland and what are their habits for a happy life. Hosts Fra and Seve received a lot of answers in both English and Finnish and many people seem to have similar ideas of how to live a happier life. You’ll also see what life in Finland looks like and what successful life habits look like in the Finnish culture. The duo put a lot of work into this video, so we really hope it will help you to create a happy life yourself and you will enjoy watching it!
Friday 10/24 Schedule
Saturday 10/25 Schedule
Sunday 10/26 Schedule
Raffle and Silent Auction – Tickets on Sale – Jackie Harjula, Stan Karro
8:30am-7:00pm
Small Dining Room
Everyone descends on the raffle and silent auction to bid on items contributed by attendees each year. The Committee is grateful for as large a participation as possible; this activity has been the major fundraiser for seed money to fund FinnFunn 2026. So purchase your tickets ($10/25 tickets), pore over the raffle items, think of gifts for family and friends or yourself, place tickets in the jar next to the items, and be ready for the posting of winners later Saturday evening.
New Location: Tori/Finnish Marketplace – Martha Silander
9:00am-2:00pm
Dr. George S. Emerson Elementary School
27 Rhododendron Rd.
Fitzwilliam, NH 03447
obtain a map from the East Hill Farm office or find one inside your FinnFunn tote bag
Visit our lively market that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Finnish immigrants in the United States. Our tori showcases traditional Finnish and Nordic wares – and other New England items. Visitors can enjoy local and regional artisans display handmade goods like knitwear and wooden items. The tori also features live Nordic music by Bernie Nowak and Carolyn Sanford, with a vibrant and festive atmosphere that honors Finnish customs and creates community among us Finns and friends.
This year out Tori features: Candy’s Wood Creations, Dianne’s Felt Stitches, Elizabeth Syvari, Everyday Cotton, Finely Crafted by Cara, Finnique, Finnish Mama, Friends in Fiber, Friends of Finland, Houmann Oshudab, Ingrid Designs, Knits by Larkins, Monadnock Moon Jewelry, Nordic Daughters, Nordshire Farm, Raivaaja, Russ & Paula, Snowflakes By Amy Engman, Son of a Bee, Suomi Imports, Sweet Finnish, The Kitchen Garden, Timbersalvage, Whispering Winds Farm Click HERE to find out more about our Tori Vendors
Presentation: Finns and Nature, Nature in Finns - Hanna Pylväinen
9:15am-10:00am
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.
Presentation: The Natural World, Source of Inspiration – Eric Aho
10:15am-11:00am
Dining Room
FinnFunn Weekend welcomes back Finlandia Foundation National’s first Artist of the Year (2024). Eric Aho explores the role of the natural world in his works. An American of Finnish descent who resides in Vermont, his paintings focus on nature and forest scenes together with the influence of his Finnish heritage.
Presentation from Finland via Zoom: Finland’s Leadership in Sustainability – Nani Pajunen
11:15am – 12:00pm
Adult Recreation Room
When given a task, Finns set about completing it without fanfare; a task well done is its own reward. It’s no wonder that Finland quietly leads the world in countless measures of sustainability. Sustainability transition is one of the tasks in which Finland has taken a role. In her presentation Dr. Pajunen focuses on an important tool in this transition – the circular economy – which Finland pioneered. In the circular economy products and systems are designed the way where materials are reused, recycled, and kept in use for as long as possible. Pajunen will provide instances of circular economy actions, such as a national circular economy roadmap and how to integrate life cycle thinking in the industrial value chain and explain how the achievements have been made possible. The core target in the sustainability transition is to save nature, in which all Finns have a deep cultural connection.
Activity: Cell Phone Tossing – Holly LeClair, Anita Smiley
11:15 – 12:00
Volleyball Court, EHF Main Lawn
The Finnish Cell Phone Throwing Contest, held annually in Savonlinna, is a quirky and fun competition during which 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.
Performance: Musical Journey Around the World - Violinist Charlotte Loukola
Finlandia Foundation National's Performer of the Year
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: Finlandia, an Interpretation, Amber Broderick (45 min.)
1:45pm-2:30pm
Adult Recreation Room
Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) is Finland’s most noted composer. He was first an excellent student of law, then a violin virtuoso before turning to composing. At age 31, the Finnish government granted Sibelius a pension for life in order for him to compose without income worries. Sibelius, at age 34, wrote a series of compositions titled Tableaux of the Past. The final tableaux took on a life of its own. Titled Finlandia and first performed in Helsinki on November 4, 1899, it became a landmark in Finland’s fight for independence. Amber Broderick interprets the piece and explains what makes Finlandia the most treasured of Sibelius’ compositions.
Activity: Punainen (red) Brightens Nature’s Color Palette, limit 20 - Kristi Holohan – $5 fee
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.
Activity: Finnish Language Names from 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.
Activity: Writing Workshop - Susan Cloutier & Charlotte Locke, limit 12
2:45pm-4:45pm
Monadnock Room
Do you want to share a story, but do not know how to begin writing? Did your high school English teacher scare you with 700-word essay assignments? Leave these insecurities behind; join us as we uncover the hidden writing talents in us all. Bring along photographs or other meaningful objects as story starters. You will discover how peer writing is a powerful tool to develop writing skills as we all “Write. Laugh. Write.”
Activity: Learn to Play Finnish Card Game: Ristiseiska - Katrina Mackey
3:45pm-4:45pm
Recreation 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. People who attended the Friday session are invited to continue play during this session
Performance: Metku Band - Michael Ludgate, Katrina Mackey, Phil Robinson
Finnish Dance Demonstration: Nancy & Bernie Nowak, Katy & Barry Heiniluoma
7:30pm – 9:30pm
Dining Room
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
Activity: FinnFunn Family Farm Day
Open to FFFD registrants and all weekend attendees
To reserve, call 603-242-6495
9:00am-3:00pm
Milking Barn
9:00 Milking the Cow & Patting the Bunnies - Red & White barn
9:00- 9:45 Foraging Walk, Dan Bisaccio - outside, meet at the mailbox by the office
9:00 - 9:45 Book Discussion: Nature & Well Being, Patti Folsom - Adult Recreation Room
9:00 - 9:45 Finnish Jeopardy! Michael Cappello - Dining Room
9:30 Pony Grooming – Red & White barn
10:00 - 10:45 Finnish Mushroom Dishes, Saija Laurla - Dining Room
10:00 Arts & Crafts - Recreation Room
11:00 - 11:30 Humorous Finnish Stories & Jokes, Stepehen line spacing
11:00 Molkky – Volleyball Court
12:15 - 1:15 hyvää iltapäivää/ good afternoon
Lounas / Lunch - Dining Room
1:00 Udder to Butter - Recreation Room
2:00 Campfire & S’mores – Outside Fire Pit
3:00 Departure
hyvästi / goodbye
Activity: Foraging Walk - Dan Bisaccio
9:00am-9:45am
Outside
“Foraging is the act of searching for and collecting wild food in nature. The activity has been part of Finnish daily life and is popular to this day as a survival skill, recreational, sustainable activity, community building and personal well-being.” We will explore the local forest looking for edible as well as medicinal plants. This will be a short introduction to some of our native edibles and medicinal as well as other interesting plants found in our NH forests. This will be a short walk on relatively flat terrain (dirt road).
Activity: Book Discussion: Nature & Well Being - Patti Folsom
9:00am-9:45am
Monadnock Room
Read one or more 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).
Activity: 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.
Demonstration: 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…
Presentation: Humorous Finnish Stories & Jokes - Stephen Trimble
11:00am – 11:30am
Dining Room
Finns 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. Come with a story or joke of your own that demonstrates the importance to Finns of merriment and humor in their lives.