Dec 6, 2012

The event that draws the very biggest crowd every year in the Finnish community in New York is the Christmas Bazaar held to benefit the Finnish School of New York, on the same day and in the same space as the Kauneimmat joululaulut (Christmas Carols) event held by the New York Finnish Lutheran Congregation at 83 Christopher St. This year it was held on December 1st. The day offers a chance to stock up on the coveted Fazer’s Blue and other favorite sweets, homemade baked goods, rye bread by Nordic Breads, and Karelian pastries by Northern Rye. Decorations, books in Finnish for adults and kids, knitted socks, and various gift items are also available for purchase. Many happy encounters take place among expats and other friends of Finland who haven’t seen each other for a while (or who have!) On the ground floor, a café serving traditional salmon sandwiches, pulla, rice porridge with kiisseli, etc. was up all day long.

The gathering in the church offers a chance for children to participate in the Lucia procession and for everyone to sing the beloved songs, accompanied by Kalle Toivio on the organ and piano. In addition, Kalle accompanied Finnish pop singer Mariko, as well as Taavi Oramo on the clarinet and singing “O Holy Night”.

The event is also a testament to enduring volunteerism in the Finnish community; on the photo, attending to the FC table, are college students Anna Matts and Anders Fransen.