Canada recently marked its 150th birthday, but it isn't the only country celebrating a milestone this year.
Finland is celebrating 100 years of independence. During the Bolshevik revolution in 1917, Finland seized the opportunity to overthrow Russian rule of the country.
As part of the Finland 100 celebrations, Finlandia Village will be holding two concerts by Finnish performers Aug. 4 and 5.
Geared the Finnish Second World War veterans, who are now in their 90s, the Aug. 4 concert will feature popular Finnish wartime music as well as more modern tunes, and the Aug. 5 concert will be spiritual in nature.
The concerts, which will both take place at 2 p.m. in Finlandia's Voima Hall, will feature the following performers: tenor and guitarist Raimo Salo, soloist Jenna Bageberg, accordionist Samuli Jokinen and pianist and singer Sonja Linden.
“It's a unique opportunity, and maybe the last opportunity for our veterans, whose average age is now 92, to hear the music that they grew up with,” said organizer Reijo Viitala.
Tickets cost $20 for both concerts, and are available by phoning Viitala at 705-694-5986.