Celebrating Freedom250 in Helsinki

Yesterday, US Ambassador to Finland, Ambassador Howard Brodie, hosted a wonderful party in Helsinki’s Kaivopuisto celebrating Freedom250. The theme was Philadelphia, where US Independence began and where the Ambassador was raised.

There was music by the colorfully dressed Fralinger String Band whose origins date to South Philly in 1914; and the main act was The Hooters, who burst on the Philadelphia music scene in 1980. The first musician to join the band was their drummer, David Uosikkinen, whose parents were Finnish immigrants. And fun fact, keyboard player Rob  Hyman co-wrote and sang ‘Time After Time’ with Cyndi Lauper which earned them a Billboard number one hit and a Grammy Award nomination for Song of the Year in 1985.

There were also tastes of Philadelphia’s culinary favourites including cheese steaks, corn dogs, crispy fried topped with cheese, and fried chicken on waffle sandwiches.

 A fun afternoon to be remembered.