Finland Times

Rovaniemi has just relished the seventh edition of Lapin Kullan Kimallus, a summer event focused on alcoholic beverages like whiskey and Finnish beer organised by the entrepreneur couple Eila Henttunen and Matti Henttunen.

The event was held on July 9-11 in the pedestrian street of Koskikatu in collaboration with partners and sponsors, such as Hartwall, local pubs and the City of Rovaniemi.

One of the main features of this year was the local Roy club bar, which has been in the business for around 30 years since 1985.

Since last year, the event has expanded both musically and in size. “I’ve seen similar crowd-focused events organised elsewhere, where the local businesses joining the events benefit from the upsales,” said one of the visitors, Oras Peltonen. “It’s great to see such a crowd-focused event being held here in Rovaniemi as well.”

The event had on display Irish and Scotch whiskey and special product offers by local businesses. The beer arsenal was frontlined by Lapin Kulta followed by other Hartwall products. Beside beverages, the event had a street kitchen where sausages and grilled food could be found.

As for the entertainment, various artists performed on stage during the event. Many of the performing bands such as the punk and rock band Stainless were of local origin. Some of the performers made their return from last year, with the local heavy metal band The Black Nail being one.

The event gathered visitors, although the colder and windier weather on Saturday had its effect on the crowd in the early evening. The visitors did seem to enjoy the energetic performance of The Backstabbers.

“For me the event brought up nostalgia as the selection of artists reflected well into my young adulthood,” said Peltonen about his earlier attendance on Thursday, July 9. “The mood is uplifting and I’m enjoying the music of the more recent performers as well.”