NASELLE – The Naselle Finnish American Folk Festival members, and some other community members, heard Pirkka Borland, president of Seattle FinnFest 1999 discuss the pros and cons of hosting a National FinnFest, in the meeting held Sunday, May 2, in the Naselle Lutheran Church basement.

Borland and her husband, also an active organizer of Seattle’s festival, attended the meeting along with former Naselle resident Marilyn (Wirkkala) Madden who chaired some of the committees for Seattle’s FinnFest. Dr. Glen Johnson, another ex-Naselle resident, was also mentioned by Borland as being active in the organization and operation of the Seattle event.

Borland and the other guests told those present that Naselle appeared to be more than ready to host the national event. They also cautioned the local FAFF on some of the pitfalls and obstacles to avoid in hosting the celebration.

At the conclusion of the presentation and subsequent discussion, the members present voted unanimously to give their approval to hosting the 2006 National FinnFest.

Discussion then turned to the immediate need, which is the preparation for the 2004 Naselle Finnish American Folk festival which will be held on the Naselle Schools campus Friday, July 30 through Sunday, Aug. 1, with the main day of activity Saturday, July 31.