NASELLE — The upcoming Naselle Finnish-American Folk Festival will feature an array of speakers and musical performers. The festival, known as FinnFest, will take place at the Naselle-Grays River Valley School on July 29 and 30 with the worship and closing ceremony on the morning of July 31.

On Friday, July 29, festival goers can attend presentations with titles such as: “You Say You’re Finnish: So Just How Did You Get That Way?”; “The Finnish Civil War and Finland in WWII”; “Kalmar Nyckel: Finns of New Sweden”; “Ship Jumpers and Mail Order Brides”; and, “The Finnish Settlers of Longview/Kelso.” In the morning a film will be shown entitled, “This is My Childhood; Finland at War.” In the afternoon there will be a showing of short films for children.

Also on Friday, attendees will be able to enjoy musical performances by the Laulaa (Finnish for “sing”) Out Loud Children’s Choir, Lisa Bighill, The Naselle Kanteles, Acustica (trio) and Naselle’s Finnish-American Choir. The Maypole Dancers will perform as a part of the day’s opening ceremony.

On Saturday, July 30, presentations will cover the following subject titles: “Journeys to Peaceful Hill” (both morning and afternoon); “Home and Hall, the Legacy of Finnish Americans in the 21st Century”; “Visiting Finland: It’s More Than Meets the Eye”; “Our Sami Ancestors-Shamans, Drums and Healing”; and “Successes and Frustrations Tracing Family Genealogy.” In addition, there will be a “Beginning Class on Finnish for Youths.” For those unable to attend on Friday, there will also be repeats of the short films for children, “The Finnish Settlers of Longview/Kelso,” “Kalmar Nyckel: Finns of New Sweden” and “The Finnish Civil War and Finland in WWII.”

Saturday also hosts a long list of musical and dance performers that includes: Gene Quillhaugh; Carl Wirkkala and the Ghost Town Boys; The Maypole Dancers; Folk Voice; Jerry Wirkkala with Amigos Nobles; Astoria Scandinavian Dancers; the Naselle-Grays River Valley School Marimba Band; Skamokawa Swamp Opera; Lois Bighill; The Katrilli Dancers; Valerie Blessley; Laulaa Out Loud Children’s Choir; The Naselle Kanteles; Dale Bradley; The Naselle Finnish-American Choir; and The Smilin’ Scandinavians. A short play will take place in the evening as a tribute to festival honoree, Anna (Wirkkala) Ehrlund. Gary Anderson will also speak on a related subject.

In addition to the above, the Tori (marketplace) will be open each day until 6 p.m. as well as a number of food vendors. Competitive games such as the Wife Carry will take place on the football field.

It is always a fun-filled and informative event that should be high on everyone’s list. Admission is free (although donations will be accepted and appreciated). Parking by the gymnasium will be reserved for handicapped individuals with handicap stickers displayed on their vehicle. Pets will not be allowed on the schools grounds, except for service animals.