By Ari Hakkarainen
CHICAGO, Ill. — The Finns in Chicago are getting into the fall season. We enjoyed a vibrant Scandinavian Day at Vasa Park, full of great food, merchandise, song and dance. Chicago Suomi Koulu is back in session, and due to a growing student enrollment has expanded to three classes for the first time in many years! And the FASM calendar kicked off on Sunday, September 27 with the annual members picnic.
After the season kicks off, FASM has some great fall events. On Sunday, October 25, we will host the Karelian Stew Lunch at the Chicago Estonian House with a bonfire and storytelling to follow. Bring a lawn chair and your favorite Finnish memory! On Sunday, December 6 is the Annual Joulujuhla/Christmas Party and Independence Day celebration at the Chicago Estonian House. Entertainment will be provided by Harris Thorpe and Company and Chicago Suomi Koulu. Details to follow.
There are also several other local Nordic events this fall. On Sunday, October 23 is the annual Vasa Park Fish Boil in South Elgin. From October 11–25, Chicago A Cappella will present its fall program “Northern Lights” featuring music from Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark. Performances will take place in Naperville, Oak Park, Chicago, and Evanston. And on Saturday, November 21, the Chicago Estonian House hosts its annual International Christmas Market — FASM will have a merchandise table there.
Finally, the Chicago Blackhawks season got under way on September 29, and returning is Finnish center Teuvo Teräväinen. Best of luck to this year’s team!