FAFF lines up golf, nature walks and contests

Naselle's Finnish American Folk Festival (FAFF) will be held July 25, 26, and 27 at the Naselle school complex located at the junction of SR 4 and SR 401. The theme of this 14th biennial festival is "Knee Deep in Finns."

The festival began in 1982 as a way to celebrate the heritage, customs, and traditions of the numerous Finnish immigrants who moved to this area starting in the late 1800s. This family-oriented festival is for young and old alike. Attendees can have fun while learning about Finnish/Finnish-American history, culture, and current life in Finland. This celebration stresses the beliefs of "Love and Unity" as depicted in the charter logo of the Naselle FAFF.

The FAFF is offering a variety of athletic events for attendees July 24-26.

A golf tournament will be held July 24, at the Peninsula Golf Course just north of Long Beach. The four person scramble format starts at 1 p.m. The entry fee of $40 covers lunch at the clubhouse where prizes will be awarded. Entries will be limited to 60. Contact Mike Swanson at 360/484-3602 or by email at: mswanson_98638@hotm-ail.com. Entry forms can also be obtained via the website.

On July 25, attendees can choose to participate in one or two short walks showcasing the local natural environment.

The same day, Alan Rammer of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will conduct a beach tour titled "Fun Facts about Razor Clams and Other Coastal Critters of the Washington Coast" beginning at 10:30 a.m. from the Bolstad Beach Approach in Long Beach. This walk is free and is for the whole family, but youngsters should be at least in the 2nd grade. Handouts and special treats will be given out at the end of this hour long event. This walk is limited to 40 people, so register ahead of time with Anita Raistakka at 360/484-3376 or by email: phil@naselle.net.

"Cedars, Native Plants and Birds" will be led by naturalists Ann Musche and Alan Richards through an old growth cedar grove off Teal Slough, west of Naselle. Musche and Richards have been living and learning in this area for more than 25 years. This half mile walk on July 25, beginning at 8 a.m. is for all ages and will last approximately two and a half hours. Gather at the parking lot of the Lions Club Park across from the Post Office on Knappton Road in Naselle. The cost is $5 per person, $15 per family. To register, contact Musche and Richards at 360/484-7119 or email: mrm@willapabay.org.

The traditional Paavo Nurmi 3.1mile/5K Run/Walk begins in the Rueben Penttila football stadium at the Naselle schools at 8 a.m. on July 26.

Following the opening ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday are three popular contests: Wife carry, boot toss, and new this year to Naselle-the Nokia phone toss. Preregistration for these contests is not necessary.

The website for FAFF is: http://finnam.naselle.net. For more information, phone 360-484-3376; email phil@naselle.net; or write to FAFF, P. O. Box 156, Naselle,WA 98638.

Admission is free but the nonprofit Finnish American Folk Festival will accept any donations which will be used to further the goals of the FAFF. Membership and donations can be sent to the address above.