Spring is here in the Northwest with all of the beauty of the blooming flowers and trees and, of course, allergies.  Ahhh choo!!  Along with the myriad amount of tissues, Katrilli is busy with their new season.  In March, we performed for the Son’s of Norway Lodge in Bothell.     March 16, Katrilli along with Skandia Folkdance Society,once again held a St. Urho celebration at the Cedar Valley Grange Hall.  Prior to the ceremonies and dance, we taught a mixer, a lively set dance and a Karilian mazurkka.  Kotona played great dance music with energetic swings, sexy tangos and, of course, Finnish and Scandinavian tunes.

             Katrilli provided an array of open-face sandwiches and other goodies for the break.  Folk Voice ensemble played their delightful music throughout the evening in the dining area.  Dancers had a difficult time choosing to go upstairs to listen and dance to Kotona or to stay downstairs and do the same with Folk Voice.  A nice dilemma to be in!

             After the traditional grasshopper humppa mixer, the contest for choosing the new St. Urho and Urholiina began.  Marja Hall led the mini-pronunciation workshop for the chant ridding all those pesky grasshoppers out of Finland.  After a heated competition, Penny Curtis, a member of Katrilli and Tanhuajat was chosen as Urholiina and Eric Richardson, a new member of Katrilli, was crowned as the new St. Urho. 

             Carla Wulfsberg had her impressive shrine featuring all kinds of St. Urho and grasshopper memorabilia that drew lots of chuckles.  This fun event always draws a large spirited crowd showing great respect for this mythical honored saint.

             After a lot of work, Katrilli finally has their new summer costumes with much appreciation for a grant from the Finlandia Foundation.  We wore them for the first time for a March performance for the Bothel Sons of Norway Heritage Days.  When you see the women’s costumes, be sure to notice the small pleats in the back.  Lots of patience and skill went into sewing these tiny pleats probably along with some dramatic words spoken from time-to-time!

             The night before Easter, the Swedish Cultural Center invited several Finnish organizations along with other Nordic clubs to their annual dinner exchange.  The dinner was delicious and the music provided by the Pickled Herring Band brought many happy dancers onto the floor.  Along with his many skills, Finlandia Foundation, Seattle Chapter President, Gary London is becoming quite the dancer.  This was a fun event and we delighted to have participated and honored to have been included.   

             The month of May brings flowers but it also brought some very enjoyable activities.  The Vappuhippa/ Spring Fling held at the Nordic Heritage Musuem was quite the party!  Lots of Finnish food to sample, entertainment, and music for dancing.  This event was a fund raiser for the Kantele players to tour Finland this summer.  A lively auction ended with Katrilli members winning:  hair cuts, airplane flights, barbeque dinners, a Finnish dinner for eight and many other items and experiences.

             After the Vappuhippa, it was time to get back to work with an all day May 6 dance workshop taught by Fred and Linda Aalto from Bainbridge Island.  Their teaching and knowledge of Finnish traditions was quite impressive.  After over loading our brains with learning new dances including a minuet, waltz, polka and more, we were ready to enjoy the Happy Hour at Ivar's. 

             May also had Katrilli traveling to the Snoqualmie Pass area where we spent a delightful weekend in the lovely Trollhaugen Lodge with music, dancing, and, of course, lots of food!  We played ping pong, hiked, warmed our aching muscles in the sauna and hot tub and enjoyed special friendships in front of the cracking fire in the stone fireplace.  The weekend was a good mixture of work and play.  With three accordions, mandolin, piano and various other instruments, music was everywhere.  It was heavenly!

                        On the 14th of May, we performed for the Lakeview Garden Retirement Home in Kirkland.  As we were leaving, saying our good-byes to the mostly wheel chair bound residents, one of ladies took Marja Hall's hand and with tears in her eyes said, "I did not want this to end!"  The residents enjoyed the music by Pat Spaeth and the energy Katrilli brought. The joy and rewards that we received from the residents were many!

            As in the past couple of years, Katrilli will open the annual Farmer’s Market for the City of Renton in May.  Hopefully, this year the May showers will not appear for the outdoor performance.

             In June we will do two shows for Seattle’s Children’s Museum.   Performing for the kids is always fun and they seem to enjoy the participatory part of the program, especially the Chicken Dance.  Yes, we know that this dance is not Finnish but it is indeed popular with the younger set.

                        The same month, Katrilli travels to Astoria for their Midsummer weekend.  The following week we will be involved with Skandia’s beautiful Midsommarfest held in St. Edward State Park in Kenmore, WA.  In order to encourage families to attend this old world celebration of summer, there will be no entrance charge for the festival but donations will be gratefully accepted.  It really is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon with dances and music from all the Nordic countries, crafts, and Scandinavian food.  Don't forget the Kukka Kioski where you can make a Midsummer crown to wear.

             Katrilli will begin their fall season in September and we always welcome new members.  We are a fun and friendly group with lots of activities that will guarantee that you will have lots of laughter and enjoyment!  Happy Summer!!

             For more information on laughter therapy:  call JoAnne (206) 329-1443