Come one come all to the annual holiday extravaganza at the clubroom on Wednesday, November 20 and Thursday, November 21, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. See handmade items from more than 20 local artists. Items including Finnish baked goods, hot or frozen pasties, piirakka, pulla, DoTerra essential oils, candles, fragrances, soaps, jewelry, scarves, upcycled wool mittens, clothing and accessories, pet collars and pet treats, artificial wreaths, garland, floral arrangements for indoors or outdoors and other various crafts.
Kirsti was born at home in Detroit Michigan, the only child of Frans Mattias and Saimi (Mikkola) Bucht. Her parents were recent immigrants from Sweden and Finland, who met each other in Detroit’s Woodrow Wilson area, where many similar Finnish-Americans lived. Like others, she grew up often visiting the Detroit Finnish Cooperative Summer Camp in Wixom Michigan, where her father eventually built a cottage home. Kirsti met her future husband, Walter Niemi, at one of the Finn Camp’s regular Saturday-night dances. They were married in 1948. Kirsti and Walt had four children, who valued their Finnish heritage and continued involvement at Finn Camp.
Kirsti attended Commerce High School in Detroit and graduated from Wayne University (now Wayne State University). A stay-at-home Mom until her children were old enough to take care of themselves, she then began working to contribute financially to the family and helping her children to attend college. After working sales and clerical jobs, she passed the civil service exam to become social worker for the State of Michigan, attending to the needs of dependent children and senior citizens in Detroit.
A month away from her 93rd birthday, she died peacefully in her sleep, in her own home, of natural causes. She is survived by her four children: Karen Riley (husband Neil), Barbara Niemi, Steve Niemi, Dave Niemi (wife Kiya), and her grandchildren Matt Riley (wife Toni), and Lara Riley.
Kirsti was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, devoted to her family. She leaves a legacy of kindness and compassion for others with a strong attachment to her Finnish-Swedish roots. Kirsti’s smile will be missed by all who knew her. Rest in Peace.
It’s FESTIVAL time!! Mark your calendars and plan to support this major fundraising event. This is a great time to get some of your work hours in, catch up with other members and friends, and cheer on our own Finn Camp Voima team in the softball tournament!!
Friday kicks off the festival weekend with the kitchen and beer truck opening at 5:00 p.m., followed by the Home Run Derby beginning about 6:30 p.m. Come see how many of the big hitters can still knock ’em into the woods! We will continue in to the evening with music and dancing in the Clubroom!
Saturday the kitchen will open for breakfast at 8:00 a.m., with food available all day in the Ravintola and food tent. The softball tournament also begins at 8:00 a.m. with games on the Finn Camp’s George Aho Memorial Field and the Gilbert Willis Park fields. Flag raising ceremonies will be at 11:00 a.m. with music and entertainment continuing from the Dance Hall porch through the afternoon. There will be 50/50 raffles, prize raffles sponsored by the Scholarship Committee, kids activities and other games for all ages sponsored by the Recreation Committee, ‘Round Robin’ horseshoes and Fowling tournaments, and the sale of Finn Camp merchandise throughout the day. Save some room on your dance card and join us for some fun in the Dance Hall to close out the evening!!
Sunday FUNday, and we will do it all over again! The kitchen will open for breakfast at 8:00 a.m. with food available all day. Softball will continue on all three fields with the championship game on our “A” Field in the late afternoon/early evening, followed immediately by trophy presentation. Music, raffles, horseshoes, and other activities will continue as well.
Many members are needed to work in all areas throughout the weekend, especially in the security and kitchen areas. As a member of a cooperative association, please participate by giving a few hours of your time to pitch in and help make our festival successful! Every hour counts, and no task is too small—WE NEED YOUR HELP!!! PLEASE – Come out to support your Finn Camp and our 42nd Annual Finn Fest!!! Work hours sign-up sheets are posted at Sun Lake Beach, or contact Robyn directly for other available options for hours. REMINDER – We are looking for a new team to take over kitchen manager detail if Finn Fest is going to continue. Please contact Robyn or Greg!!!
