Letter: 25th annual Mayfair a great success thanks to many

Yes, the weather was dismal – windy, rainy and chilly. However, the atmosphere both outside and inside was warm and welcoming as Finlandia Village celebrated its 25th annual Mayfair, or toukomarkkinat, as the event is known in Finnish.

There were vendor tables in Finlandiakoti, Palvelukoti, the cafe between Palvelukoti and Hoivakoti (nursing home) and Hoivakoti. Many of the vendors were familiar faces from previous fairs, but every year we are happy to welcome new ones, as well. The fair offers a great shopping experience because of the variety of items for sale – something for everyone.

Of course it would not be a Finlandia Mayfair without pulla, coffee and lättys (Finnish pancakes). The bakers of Naistoimikunta (the Ladies’ Auxiliary) sold all their 360 pulla loaves in less than an hour, and despite having to stand in line in the rain, visitors and residents braved the weather to get their lättys. In addition, visitors could visit the hotdog stand, the Kettle Corn stand, Eastlink information booth and the Kalevas’ yard sale, all located outside.

Palvelukoti Kestitupa dining room served as a restaurant where people could sit down to enjoy their meal and socialize with family and friends. Palvelukoti Sali hosted various activities for children including an art activity, fishing pond, Plinko game, a guessing contest and of course face painting and fancy hairdos.
A lot of work goes into having a successful Mayfair.

The 2015 Mayfair Committee would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many individuals — both staff members and volunteers — for their great contribution, to the various organizations and individuals who supported us by renting a table or giving a donation, and of course to all of you who braved the weather and came to the fair. You all demonstrated the Finnish Sisu.

Kristiina Skogberg
Greater Sudbury