FinnFest Kicks Off Festivities With Floorball

DULUTH, Minn.– FinnFest began by introducing an exciting sport to their lineup of activities.

Duluth is gearing up for a weekend filled with making connections, learning and teaching about the Nordic culture, and lots of Floorball. For the first time, the popular Finnish sport is being highlighted for this year’s FinnFest. Floorball is similar to hockey, and it features five players on each team. Guests had the opportunity to watch games happening throughout the day. The games will continue throughout the weekend.

“The second most popular sport in Finland. To bring it here, in the Nordics it’s a professional sport. We wanted to bring that here with a lot of international players.”  said Ira Mimmu Salmela, Executive Director of FinnFest.

If sports aren’t your thing, vendors say, anyone can take something away from this experience. Whether that be from the food, the lectures, or simply the conversations you can find yourself having with others.

“It’s exciting. It’s a lot of work, but it always pays off in the end. People come in and they’re just appreciative of finding things that are Finnish, or beautiful. Or gifts for themselves or their family.” said vendor Kristie Fingerson.  Fingerson and her family is showcasing their business Scandia Kicksled this weekend.

If you’re looking at checking out a floorball game, FinnFest is offering Floorball passes. For each day, there will be three games. You can choose from a one-day pass for $10 per person. As well as a four-day pass for $20 per person. Children 14 and under can view the games for free. You can purchase tickets on the FinnFest website.