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Photo: Reino Aholainen
Photo: Veini Suuronen
Delightfully diverse fun for the whole family Since 1995, Vekara-Varkaus festival has been entertaining children and their families by combining art and play. The countless workshops, performances and activities, ranging from kart racing to theatre performances, bring the whole family together. By Ndéla Faye
Located in eastern Finland, the town of Varkaus is situated on the idyllic lake Saimaa. Running from 11 to 17 June this year, the Vekara-Varkaus festival, organised by the City of Varkaus, is a community event that brings together all ages. Covering a wide range of topics, such as art, science and physical education, Vekara-Varkaus is bound to have an activity to keep everyone entertained. The festival believes in accessibility, and all activities are either free of charge or affordable. This year’s festival theme is nature, and there is a number of workshops and activities tailored specifically to pique little ones’ interest in the nature around them. “In one of our workshops, children pick a tree and give a presentation on who lives in it, how old it is and so on. This will help create a sense of empathy and love toward nature. As with all our activities, the children are the focal point, and everything is done from the child’s 44 | Issue 112 | May 2018
point of view,” explains Heli Sutinen, event producer at the festival. In addition to various workshops, local businesses rally to offer their services, often free of charge. This summer’s festival activities include everything from a fishing trip on the lake and kart racing to nature walks, disc golf and visits to the local planetarium. “The festival is a community effort,” says Sutinen. Featuring some of Finland’s best children’s entertainers, musicians and ac-
Photo: Juhani Valtola
tors, this much-respected festival offers a number of high-quality activities that are bound to appeal to the whole family. “The festival plays host to a nationwide singing competition finale, as well as a children’s book award, where children are on the judging panel. In one of the workshops, children practise a play that culminates in a performance at the town’s theatre. “The festival is truly all about children. We want to bring them to the forefront,” says Sutinen. “There’s a real community spirit here; a genuine togetherness that creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We look forward to welcoming everyone – from babies to grandparents – to this year’s festival.” Web: www.vekara-varkaus.fi
Photo: Heikki Hirvonen