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University of Washington |
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The University of Washington campus, the site of the July 22-25, 1999, FinnFest USA in Seattle, got high marks from the FinnFest USA Executive Committee during a recent site inspection. The committee, led by Bob Selvala, toured the facilities that will be housing this summer's event. The executive committee was especially pleased that all the buildings are close together, said Selvala. All buildings also have convenient elevators and handicap entrances. The UW campus is conveniently located three miles north of downtown Seattle and about 15 miles from Sea-Tac Airport. The beautiful 694-acre campus, landscaped with Northwest trees and flowers, sits on the shores of Lake Washington, with the Cascade Mountain Range in the background. Fascinating architecture of the buildings dotting the park-like campus represents design from 1849 to modern day. Most of the festival events will take place right in the heart of the campus. The Husky Union Building (The HUB), which houses the FinnFest registration, will be the first stop for the festival visitors. The HUB will also house many activities and events, including the tori (market place), Virtual Finland, exhibits, craft demonstrations, genealogy series, and other special programs for all ages. Taking advantage of the typically sunny and warm July weather, many of the FinnFest events are planned for the outdoors. As in 1989, the opening ceremonies will take place on the Red Square, with the majestic Mt. Rainier as a backdrop "I have vivid memories of the opening ceremonies in '89," Selvala said. All friends of FinnFest worldwide will be able to catch a glimpse of this year's ceremonies via the Internet. A camera mounted on top of Kane Hall takes a snapshot of the Red Square every five minutes and feeds the image to the university web site. Visit www.finns.org for a link to the image.Housing in the university residence halls is within a leisurely 5-minute walk from the HUB. "The short walk from the dorms to the HUB is level and shaded by tall trees," Selvala said. " I think it will be quite comfortable." Both McMahon and Haggett residence halls offer beautiful views of the Campus, the scenic Lake Washington and Seattle. Guests will reside in rooms with twin beds (single or double occupancy) and share community bath facilities. Remember to bring your bathrobes and slippers! The buildings are equipped with television lounges, kitchenettes with microwave ovens, laundry facilities and vending machines. The residence halls do not have air-conditioning, which is usually not a problem in the Northwest. All rooms have telephones and fans for the convenience and comfort of the guests. Daily guest service includes making the beds, changing the towels and emptying wastebaskets. FinnFest visitors can choose from two basic housing packages. The three-day package starting on Thursday, July 22, includes three nights lodging, dinner on Thursday, breakfast and lunch on Friday and Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday. Price per person is $130 for a person in a double room, $175 per person for a single room. The four-day package starting on Wednesday, July 21, includes four nights lodging, dinner on Wednesday, breakfast, lunch and dinner on Thursday, breakfast and lunch on Friday and Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday. Price per person is $180 for a person in a double room, $240 per person for a single room. Additional nights without meal service can be purchased before and after the festival in connection with the four-day package. Additional nights after the festival are also available to people buying the three-day package. The cost for one night is $27 per person in a double room, $42 for a single. The additional nights are available within the time period Monday, July 19 through Monday July 26. In addition to university housing, there are local hotels within a walking distance from the UW campus. The moderately priced University Inn and University Plaza Hotel and the recently renovated George Meany Hotel offer additional housing options. FinnFest is also holding rooms at four downtown hotels--WestCoast Vance, Roosevelt, Mayflower Park and Warwick. There are convenient bus connections between downtown and the University District. Please contact travel agency Travel Time for hotel reservations at pirjod@tvltime.com or call (425) 641-9980.The registration packets will be sent out in February. If you have not submitted your name to the mailing list, you can do so by writing to FinnFest USA '99, 4122 - 128th Ave SE, Suite 305, Bellevue, WA 98006, emailing FinnFest99@finns.org., or faxing to (425) 641-9983. Watch the FinnFest web site at www.finns.org for the latest information on FinnFest '99, including the details of the program and links to the University of Washington. Welcome to FinnFest USA '99!
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FinnFest USA '99 Travel Time is an Official Corporate sponsor of FinnFest USA '99
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