Villages in the Kuopio region will celebrate the nationwide Avoimet kylät (Open Villages) Day tomorrow, Saturday. The programme includes culture, music, local history, as well as things to do for children and families.
Avoimet kylät (Open Villages) is Finland’s largest village event, and this year it will be held nationwide for the twelfth time. Village Shop Day will also be celebrated on the same day, highlighting the importance of local shops and other nearby services in village life.
In Haminalahti, a summer event for the whole family will be held at Haminalahti village hall from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. The programme includes a visit by Dance Theatre Minimi. The event is organised by the Haminalahti youth association/village association. The participation fee is 10 euros per family and 5 euros per family for members. The village hall is located at Länsirannantie 135.
In Hirvilahti, the programme runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hirvilahti village shop, the youth association hall and the old school. A flea market will be held in the village shop yard from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Sirkus Lilliputti clowns Justus and Höpsi will also be there. Marjo Mälkönen’s Playing with Colours art exhibition will be on display at the youth association hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Art workshops for participants of different ages will be held at the old school from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Representatives of the West Kuopio local council will also be present. The event venues are located at Länsirannantie 2299.
In Karttula, the summer season will be opened at the market square and its surroundings from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The programme includes market vendors, music by Lekkerbergin Laulava Kylä, a magic show, an auction, a bouncy castle, a raffle and vintage vehicles. The event is free of charge and aimed at the whole family. Karttula market square is located at Kissakuusentie 6. In addition, KarttuRock will be held in Karttula from 2 p.m. onwards in the yard area of Lankku Pub at Kissakuusentie 3.
Also in Karttula, Riuttala Farm Museum will open its doors on the same day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sausages will be served to the first visitors, and the café will be open throughout the day. Riuttala’s own bread will also be available for purchase at the café. The museum is located at Riuttalantie 719.
In Murtolahti, Lohiniemi sauna and barbecue day will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lohiniemi village house. The sauna will be heated throughout the event. The women’s sauna session is from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and the men’s session begins at 1:45 p.m. Visitors can also go swimming if they wish. Guests may bring their own sausages, and coffee, sweet buns, juice and tea will be served. The event venue is located at Koskitie 20, Pieksänkoski.
In Muuruvesi, a village day and Village Shop Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the centre of Muuruvesi. The event celebrates the village, its services and its community. The event address is Rantatie 9.
In Tuovilanlahti, Kalapuro heritage farm will host a village day focused on wellbeing, pampering and music from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day begins at 10 a.m. with outdoor yoga and a Fascia Method session. From 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the programme includes massages, facial treatments, foot baths and small beauty treatments. There will also be a small flea market and a raffle. At 3 p.m., Norwegian troubadour Audun will perform. Kalapuro heritage farm is located at Tuovilanlahdentie 205.
In Siilinjärvi, a summer event will be held at Mäntyranta summer theatre from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The day begins with coffee, after which the audience can watch open rehearsals of the play Katariina ja Munkkiniemen kreivi from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. From 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., there will be a singalong led by the cultural association Sii-Man. Admission to the event is free. Mäntyranta summer theatre is located at Jokisuuntie 14.
More information about Avoimet kylät (Open Villages) Day events and the event map can be found on the event website (in Finnish)