Opening Ceremony – Start of the Grand Rowing Festival

The Grand Rowing Festival begins on Thursday afternoon with the opening of the market area and the first wave of festival atmosphere in Sulkava. Throughout the afternoon visitors can explore different areas of the festival, as the Rowing Stadium are has been growing for this year.

  • Walk through the lively market close to the lake shore and taste Finnish delicacies
  • Attend on different workshops inside the Rowing Pavilion. How about making your on flower wreath of a birchbark ring?
  • Experience the lakeside sauna and try the Finnish church boat on shores of Lempeä – Sauna & Design
  • Join the NON-stop wooden boat ride from The Rowing Stadium to the Centre of Sulkava, while stopping at piers between
  • If you are interested for a private tour on a wooden boat, see the webpage of Armiita 

As the evening continues, the program features cross-art performances, combining music, culture, and visual elements.

  • Enjoy summer atmosphere; either sitting by the bonfire, or just mingle in the crowd
  • Listen live music while sipping coktails at the terrace of Lempeä – Sauna & Design
  • Finally, stay until late and be amazed by the spectacular chainsaw show

The opening day sets the tone for the entire festival – a celebration of summer, culture, and community on Lake Saimaa.

MORE SPECIFIC SCHEDULE BELOW 

Get-together event at Lempeä

International guests are welcomed to a special Get Together event at the lakeside setting of Lempeä Sauna & Design. The event is held in the backyard and terrace area, where the tranquility of Lake Saimaa meets a social gathering and bubbly chatter. This relaxed gathering introduces visitors to Finnish traditions, culture, and the unique Finnish spirit of the Grand Rowing Festival.

 

Program and schedule

At 16 onwards: A chance to try out a Finnish church boat with sliding seats. Open for everyone!

At 17 onwards: Welcoming words from Executive Director of the Region Heini Utunen
Insights and stories from British rower who crossed Atlantic, Dan Wooler
Finnish Delicacies as tasting platters
Finnish traditions on display
Networking, socializing 
Relaxing in our Panoramic sauna and swimming in Lake Saimaa
Live music by British artist Marc Kenny

 

Marc Kenny artist from UK

We are presenting our international musician Marc Kenny from Liverpool, UK.

More about Marc

Must try! Traditional Finnish delicacies like fried vendace