Finn Fest 2008 in Duluth

Speaking of tourists in Duluth, all last week was the "2008 Finn Fest" Festival. The Finnish flag was flying in Duluth all last week and weekend. As you may or may not know, we have many Duluth residents who have a Finnish background.

“Sharing the Spirit of Finland” was the title of this year’s FinnFest, with programs focusing around four major themes: Finnish culture; the music of Finland; the contributions of women of Finnish heritage, and the Finnish-Anishinaabe connection. The title underscores the organizers’ deep commitment to involving the entire community – not just people of Finnish descent.

"Contribution of Women Leaders". Women representing various leadership positions spoke at a panel on Sunday at the DECC. One of those women was the President of Finland Tarja Halonen herself, "I think this kind of thinking, to be creative, and to have possibilies for networking, I think that's a very good thing." University of Minnesota Duluth Chancellor Kathryn Martin also spoke. She touched on the importance of exploring leadership roles and some of the challenges and opportunities for women leaders. In particular, Martin focused on the nature and importance of building strong female relationships in promoting change, "We need to know the importance of each one of us being central to the decisions in the area in which we function and be willing to take the risks to collaborate, to cooperate, to make a better society."

My best friend is Finnish, as is her husband. They were at the festival last weekend and said it was wonderful and fun!