It's the event we have been waiting for. Hundreds of Estonians coming together Canada Day long weekend to reunite with friends, catch up with the latest Esto news, and have a wonderful weekend in the hot summer sun!

The events at Suvihari this year include classics from the past such as the infamous Song Festival and new attractions such as the Toronto All-Star Big Band performing in the evening, and the Kids Carnival during the day.

This year we will be expecting over a thousand participants of all ages.

Saturday, June 28th is when the family friendly Suvihari weekend will begin. It takes off with the Kids Carnival opening at noon. A huge colourful inflatable Noah's Ark welcomes young children onto its bouncy ship to jump, slide and tumble among the animals. Teens and adults can enjoy David Letterman's favourite, and springboard into the "Velcro Wall". If you are looking for some one-on-one competition with your friends, bungee basketball will keep you and onlookers entertained for hours. No carnival is complete without face painting, balloons, cotton candy, snow-cones, hotdogs, and candy. These treats will be available all day long. Carnival prizes can be won by playing a wide array of carnival games suited for everyone.

The Song Festival will begin with the choirs parading into the festival grounds at 4:00. All choirs have been invited to attend and have been practicing for this big day. The enthusiasm of these choirs has been phenomenal and the quality of the songs and voices are ones to be heard first hand. Participating choirs this year include the Toronto Estonian Men 's Choir, Ööbik, Estonia, and children's choirs. Hundreds of singers will be singing old favourites and new original pieces straight from Estonia.

At 9:00 p.m. on Saturday the Toronto All-Star Big Band will be playing at the basketball court. They are a dynamic orchestra whose members play music to pay tribute to the legendary Big Band Era. The Big Band is comprised of talented young musicians between the ages of 16-21. Not only has this group rekindled interest in Glenn Miller, Jimmy & Tommy Dorsey, and Benny Goodman classics, but it has also encouraged the resurgence of admiration for the romantic sounds of the dance-band era. The vocalists of the Big Band, called the 'Serenaders', get the audience singing and swinging with the up-tempo harmonies of the The Modernaires, Pied Pipers, and the Andrews Sisters.

At the festival grounds there will be a memorial at the monument for those who have passed. We would especially like to invite friends and family of Tarvo Erik Hess to join us in remembering his life. June 28th marks the one year anniversary of his tragic death. A special tribute will be conducted in his memory.

Throughout the weekend Jüri Kimsto will be offering an extensive menu at a restaurant (rESTOraan) which will be at the great hall, right in the centre of the action. Fabulous food for a great price will be only steps away from any event for either take-out or dine-in. A market will be set up with tables filled with Estonian merchandise such as t-shirts, songbooks, art, and more.

Bring your tents and camp out with the family. Any size tent or gathering is welcomed. Build a fire, roast marshmallows, and sing camp songs! The following day the rESTOraan will provide a wonderful spread for Sunday brunch. Take a refreshing dip in the spring-fed pool. Showering facilities will be available at the sauna.

Elora is a quaint town only minutes from Seedrioru. There are little shops and cafés for you to explore and enjoy. If you love wading in the water, take inner tubes down the Grand River and float your way right back to Seedrioru.

Seedrioru is located close to Guelph, about an 1 hour drive from Toronto. Coach busses will be available for an inexpensive ride from the Estonian House in Toronto (near Broadview Subway Station) to Seedrioru and back. Please call or email for departure/return times and prices.

This year's Suvihari will be one to remember for years to come. It will be the revival of what it once was at its height and we hope that it will continue to grow in the years to come. Admission is free for kids under 16 so bring the entire family for a weekend of fun. General admission is $25.00 and all Song Festival participants receive free admission. Camping grounds, swimming, volleyball, basketball, Song Festival, Toronto All-Star Big Band, market, and carnival admission all included in admission price. All proceeds to Seedrioru Children's Summer Camp.

If you would like to volunteer in this year's Suvihari or if your choir would like to participate in the Song Festival please contact Leila Puust at (416) 247-3150 or email atleilah@rocketmail.com. Bussing questions can
also be directed to Leila Puust. For advertising opportunities or if you'd like to register your children for the children's camp July 6-27 contact Krista Heap at (519) 740-0074.

Directions and more information at: www.seedrioru.com

Program:
Saturday, June 28th
Kids Carnival noon -8:00
Choir Parade 3:30
Song Festival 4:00
Toronto All-Star Big Band 9:00-11:00

Sunday, June 29th
Sunday Brunch 11:00-2:00

Other events time TBA:
rESTOraan
Esto Market
Volleyball tournament
Departure times for Coach busses to Toronto

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