The 75th birthday of Marianne-candy will be celebrated in Lappeenranta at an event for the whole family 15.8.2024

Lappeenranta is 375 years old, and the city is celebrating throughout August. Lappeenranta's 375th anniversary programme is a mix of local spirit and traditions, family fun and top Finnish performers.

The charming red-and-white-ribboned Marianne turns 75 this year. To celebrate the anniversary, the City of Lappeenranta and Fazer invite everyone to celebrate Marianne's birthday in Lappeenranta's Pusupuisto on Thursday 15th of August 2024 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The event for the whole family offers a Marianne-themed picnic, where you can enjoy food from local producers in the spirit of Restaurant Day and watch a variety of performances.

- We want to give people the opportunity to gather in the park at the end of summer to enjoy a good programme and food. You can either bring your own picnic lunch or enjoy what local food providers have to offer, says Tuulia Ahokas, Project Coordinator of the Dream Year of Culture.

The main attraction of the day will be the singing group Mimmit performing on the stage of the Lappeenranta Summer Theatre (Lappeenrannan kesäteatteri). The Summer Theatre has a limited number of seats, so you can get to Mimmi's performance with a free ticket, which will be distributed from August 1 from the Winkki customer service centre.

The birthday party will also feature a Marianne costume contest, where Fazer representatives will give out candy prizes throughout the day to those dressed in the theme.

- Marianne is known for her red and white stripes. We encourage those attending the birthday party to dress up in Marianne-theme or otherwise sweetly. Of course, the best costumes will also be rewarded with the sweetest prizes, says Ahokas.

The Lappeenranta Fazer Shop will also be open on Marianne's birthday at Satamatie 15–17, from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The event is a part of Lappeenranta's Dream Year of Culture and the city's 375th anniversary celebrations.

Programme:

Pusupuisto

• Lappeenranta's Dream Year of Culture 2024: information about the cultural events for the rest of the year, METKU's Willipass colouring and a raffle!
• SerkKu car
• Meet Buddy Dogs at the park (Kennelliitto) at 4–5 p.m.
• Magnet workshop by Lappeenranta Art School (Kuvataidekoulu) at 4–5:30 p.m.
• Marianne costume contest: Fazer representatives will be giving away candy prizes throughout the day to those dressed in the theme.

Pusupuisto stage:

• 4–4.15 p.m. Circus performance by Taidekoulu Estradi
• 4.30–4.45 p.m. Rakuunaseitsikko musical performance
• 4.45–4.50 p.m. Rummun kutsu (Call of the drum) - afro dance performance
• 5–5.30 p.m. Hallakko band -concert
• 6.15–6.45 p.m. Dance tastes good - just like Marianne! - A dance hour for everyone to give spark and energy to the beginning of autumn through joy
• 7–7.10 p.m. Rajan Nuoret
• 7.20–7.40 p.m. Carpe Diem -choir

Summer Theatre stage:

• 6–7 p.m. MIMMIT

Pusupuisto food & drink:

• Kielomäki Honey Waffle Tent (Hunajavohveliteltta)
• Kahvila Luovuus (café)
• Päivi-Angervo - natural products and drinks
• Gelateria Marina Vallongo
• Kesämäen Leipomo (bakery)
• Lappeenranta's Miun Kahvila (café)
• Lappeenranta Pentecostal Church pop-up café
• Lappeenranta Soroptimist pop-up café
• FinFami - Mielenterveysomaiset Etelä-Karjala ry: pop-up café (Mental Health Association of South Karelia)
• Natalia Pylypenko - Ukrainian café
• Fazer - sweets and tastings
• Fazer pies

Additional information:

Tuulia Ahokas, Project Coordinator of the Dream Year of Culture
Tel. 040 844 0252, tuulia.ahokas@lappeenranta.fi