Westside Stories

On Sunday, Dec. 14, the Finnish American Folk Festival is packing the day with Christmas events, and the organizers are eager to share it all with the community.

Tour of Homes – 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The Annual Tour of Homes features four decorated homes in Naselle and Rosburg. This long-running tradition gives residents a chance to show off their holiday décor. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased in advance at Hair Villa and FinnWare, or at any home on the tour. Questions can be directed to Haleigh See at TourofHomes@nasellefinnfest.com.

Christmas Concert – 1:30 p.m.

The Christmas Concert at the Historic Deep River Church will include performances by Carl Wirkkala and by Wren Hendricks and Erik Friend of Skamokawa Swamp Opera. A community sing-along of “Silent Night” will close out the program Three events will take place in the Commons at Naselle School.

Christmas Bazaar — 2 to 7 p.m.

The Commons will be packed with nearly twenty vendors, many of them familiar faces from local markets and community events. This is one of the best chances all season to shop locally and support the craftspeople who keep West End traditions alive. Shoppers will find everything from homemade baked goods to knitted hats and scarves, hand-thrown pottery, candles, rag rugs, woodburned artwork, and Finn Fest merchandise. It’s a broad mix of useful gifts, beautiful keepsakes, and plenty of stocking-stuffer options.

Soup Supper & Potato Bar — 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

After an afternoon of touring homes, hearing great music, and shopping at the bazaar, the Soup Supper will be an excellent stop to enjoy homemade, hearty soups and stews. Featured soups are Chili Cheeseburger Soup, Chicken & Corn Chowder, Chicken Sausage Gumbo, and Chicken Noodle. The baked potato bar comes loaded with all the fixings. The supper is offered by donation.

Christmas Bingo — 6 p.m.

Bingo is the newest addition to the lineup, and it’s set up to be a lively way to close out the evening. Ten games are planned, with nine rounds of traditional bingo and a blackout as the final game. The prizes will include hams, plus gift cards to local restaurants and shops. Cards are $1 each. With the bazaar still open and the supper in full swing during the early rounds, it should be a high-energy environment where people can come and go as they please.

The following Sunday, Dec. 21, brings the 4th annual Naselle Lighted Christmas Parade. Lineup begins at 3 p.m. at the See Farm on Knappton Road, with the parade starting at 4 p.m. The route runs down Knappton Road from the See farm to the clinic parking lot across from the Lutheran church, then back again so spectators can catch a full view of every float. Participation continues to grow each year, both in entries and in the crowds along the road.

All parade participants must sign the required waiver, available online at nasellefinnfest.com or from Haleigh See at the staging area. This protects the See family, who generously host the lineup on their property each year.

Westside Happenings

December

6 —Art Show at Grays River Grange,

12 – 4 p.m.

9 —Grays River Grange Christmas Party,

6:30 p.m.

14 – FAFF Christmas Events: Tour of Homes, Deep River Church Concert, Soup

Supper, Bingo, and Christmas Bazaar

14 – Appelo Archives Center Santa Night

18 – West End Food Pantry Christmas Box distribution, 1 – 5 p.m.

21 – 4th Annual Naselle Lighted Christmas Parade, 4 p.m. Register at

nasellefinnfest.com.

For a list of regular monthly events, please refer to the Wahkiakum Calendar. To add an event to the calendar or share a story idea, please get in touch with me at lisa@waheagle.com.