Riihimäki loves you, Riihimäki

 

On Saturday, August 12, a new world record was proven with a fair amount of certainty. About 50 Riihimäki who arrived from all over Finland gathered together in the same place, Riihimäki. Why? Well, to see why the titular city is so easy to love.

Inside the station building of the Riihimäki railway station, happy laughter rings out. On Saturday afternoon, August 12, the air does not have the feeling of a sports festival, but of the joy of its own namesake city.

Virva, Terhi, Heini, Paula, Anne ja Kirsi have arrived at the VIP event and to get to know Riksuu. The laughers, as well as me, the journalist, are therefore united by the same last name. Well, Paula made a mistake and changed her last name when she got married, but let's forgive that. Very credibly, he asserts that he is the real Riihimäki.

In May, Riihimäki city's official thrower Janne Kataja sent more than 1 letters to people with the Riihimäki surname and welcomed them - or us - to get to know the city and each other on a joint occasion. The number of people who registered surprised everyone, and there should be about a dozen namesakes coming.

HEINI PRECEDED thought the letter was a joke and chucked it away.

"Fortunately, my colleagues asked if I was going. I dug out the letter and signed up right away."

Everyone agrees that gathering together during the second Lempi festival is an excellent idea.

And what did the women think when a familiar smiley face from TV peeked out of the envelope that arrived? Let's be honest.

"I can't imagine anyone else more qualified for this position. Janne has profiled well as an advocate for Riihimäki, and is not too serious," concludes Terhi.

The H-moment is upon us and people are starting to move into the Taco 4 Wine restaurant.

SHOUTS OF HURRAH fill the restaurant when asked if there is any Riihimäki there. When you order Riihimäki, you also get them. At least until the unofficial record.

Finland's longest serving mayor, former professional basketball player Jouni Eho wishes everyone a very nice evening. He was chosen as Riihimäki's pilot last year. For Eho, who moved from Pyhtä to Riihimäki, the city was "love at first sight".

A good reputation also works. Eho, who recently met other municipal leaders, says that the Riihimäki meeting was on everyone's lips.

Eho promises to refrain from all kinds of market talk. They would hardly be needed. Let the city speak for itself - but before that, a little salty and sweet.

AT THE NEXT TABLE three relatively young Riihimäki are sitting, the sisters Josefina, Juliaana and Joonatan. The family is from Nurmijärvi, but the offspring have moved on to study elsewhere.

"When the invitation came, we immediately discussed it in our sister group. Of course we all wanted to leave. In the past, I have only changed trains at Riihimäki", Joonatan laughs.

It's a normal story, it's just a train change at Riihimäki. Now is the time to delay a little.

In addition to seeing the city, Josefiina is also looking forward to getting to know the rest of Riihimäki. It's admirable when you consider that there are enough Riihimäkis in their family to make the basketball team.

Joonatan shows a table at the other end of the hall. Three more Riihimäki from Nurmijärvi are sitting there. In total, six of the nine siblings made it there. That has to be a record too.

WHEN MEETING PEOPLE things start to happen. A cleaner mops the carpet, a security guard in sunglasses goes around the tables and someone rushes to hug the Janne Kataja cardboard man.

There are about a dozen entertainers from the Riihimäki Youth Theater's adult improvisation group. And they really know how to make fun.

The audience is not teased or required to participate other than by shouting tips for the scenes being acted. And when the Actors play the landlord and tenant in the swimming hall in different genres from horror to drama, the hall of Riihimäkiä screams with laughter.

Eho, who is sitting at my table, says that she is proud that Riksu invests in culture, and the intention is not to slow down the pace.

Riihimäki Youth Theater is Finland's largest incubator for comedians, from which the likes of Aku Hirviniemi ja Niina Lahtinen.

"These improv guys are the best," someone shouts behind me.

There are no differing opinions or expressions.

AT THE END OF THE EVENT we will take a photo together on the steps of the restaurant and cardboard Janne will get a ride.

Now it's time to head towards Granit Square and the Lempi festival, which will be crowned by the star performer of the evening Irina. The smiling Riihimäki follow Eho, who slips on his promise not to market.

Eho points to Voimala, which is located opposite the station and has been empty for a long time. The building will be transformed into a cultural and performance venue. In addition, Riihimäki is looking into applying for the 2027 housing fair. So it is clear that Riksu has a vibrant present and a bright future full of plans.

And maybe Riihimäki, who was there, is building that future.

Text and pictures Juha Riilittle girl

 

Riihimäki

• Founded as a town in 1922, it became a city in 1960.
• Located in a great location in southern Finland, 70 kilometers from Helsinki and 35 kilometers from Hämeenlinna.
• Just under 30 inhabitants.
• 95 percent of the residents live within three kilometers of the train station.