June 24th was a perfect summer’s day for Ontario Finnish Resthome Association’s (OFRA) annual Juhannus celebration. Earlier in the day staff and volunteers decorated the inner courtyard in blue and white pompoms and Finnish flags. It is such a peaceful area for all to enjoy sitting around the pond with the sound of the fountain waters spraying a cool mist and seeing the colourful flowers blooming in the newly acquired accessible flower boxes.
To start the celebrations, a parade of Finnish National costumes weaved around the courtyard and were introduced from what part of Finland they represented. It was so nice to see so many youths being part of the parade wearing the dresses that have so lovingly been brought from Finland so many years ago and carefully preserved through the generations.
The highlight is the crowning of a Juhannus Queen from each building. Residents from each building cast secret ballots to choose who is the honorary Juhannus Queen. The four Queens are honoured with blue and white crowns and a bouquet of flowers.
Accordion music was provided by Phil Braido throughout the afternoon, enjoyed by many which got the dancing feet moving. M&M Foods Ltd. (formerly M&M Meats) provided a delicious barbeque of hamburgers, sausages, chips, ice-cream and a beverage. The crackling flames of the Juhannus kokko danced into the air to finish off another successful Juhannus.
Summer has arrived and the beautiful grounds at OFRA provide peaceful retreats for residents, staff and visitors. Throughout the summer residents in all four buildings enjoy ice-cream socials, lawn games, gardening or simply sitting outside enjoying friendships. The OFRA Foundation’s 50/50 lottery is supporting the purchase of an accessible swing for Mauno Kaihla Koti Long-Term Care residents, helping everyone swing into summer.
Wishing everyone a swinging summer.
Read the article in Finnish here.
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