by Jeanne Pakkala Frandsen
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Finn Funn 2001, sponsored by the Finnish-American Society of Cape Cod, was held Friday, November 2- 4, 2001 at the Radisson Inn in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Nine members of the Finger Lakes Finns and one guest attended this event. Most of the group left from Ithaca on Friday morning by Van Go bus and arrived at Cape Cod in the late afternoon. Two others came by car. Friday afternoon was registration, then "Happy Hour" with our own Richard Koski providing the music. We were welcomed by the President of the Finnish American Society of Cape Cod, Kauko Kahila, and the Chairperson of Finn Funn 2001, Pauline Jarvi. The Town Clerk spoke briefly. We were then served the first banquet meal, which was delicious. The evening's entertainment consisted of a performance by a musical trio, a talk on "Nisu, Sisu - A History of the Finnish People on Cape Cod" by Steve Trimble, followed by dancing and socializing with Bert Stromholm and Brent Buswell. Brent, who is blind, is the young man we heard play his accordion a couple years ago at Newfield. Saturday, after a good breakfast, we had a little time to check out the Tori and buy a few things to bring home. Then a couple of lectures - "Roots and Tendrils: Looking for the Truly Finnish," by Dr. Frances Karttunen, and entertainment with song, story, and moving pictures called "Through Finland" by Kathleen Osgood Dana, Teija Huttunen-Green, and Liisa Bradley. Saturday afternoon was free. Some had arranged to take a train ride to see sights on Cape Cod, which was very enjoyable. Saturday evening, a Suornalainen Ilta (Finnish Evening) featured another delicious meal, and then some entertainment by the Victrola Society. This group was made up of all "senior citizens" and could they sing! Everyone enjoyed it very much. Lisa daCunha read a poem which she had composed. Raffles and drawing for a Finnair Ticket were held, then dancing and socializing again. We left for home on Sunday morning after a fine breakfast. I am sure I can speak for everyone who attended from our group that a wonderful time was had by all. Next year the Finn Funn get-together will be held in Maine. Let's all plan on attending! From the Finger Lakes Finns newsletter, February 2001. |