FAQ

  1. What language is spoken at the West Coast Estonian Festival?
  2. The narration at most events will be in English with some Estonian.

    Our Portland-Estonian community has changed substantially over the decades since the post-WW2 days. The number of first generation Estonians who arrived in America after the war has decreased considerably. Second generation Estonian-Americans (ages 35 to 60), born in America, are most comfortable in English, but understand some Estonian. Many third generation Estonian-Americans (under the age of 35) do not speak Estonian.

  3. I am not performing as a dancer nor singer. Where would it be appropriate for me to wear my folk costume?
  4. The audience is encouraged to wear their folk costume at any LEP2011 event, expecially at the Opening Ceremony and the performance of Hõissa Tuljak!

  5. Can I drive my car to Rahvapidu, at Alderbrook Park Resort?
  6. Ample parking exists at Alderbrook Park Resort for hundreds of cars. Special parking is available for individuals with handicap permits.

  7. What may I not bring to Rahvapidu, at Alderbrook Park Resort?
  8. You are not allowed to bring your own alcohol into the Park. Pets are also not allowed.

  9. Does the DoubleTree Hotel have WiFi connectivity in the guest rooms?
  10. WiFi internet is available in all guest rooms for a fee of $12.95/day. The WiFi signal is free in the lobby. Hotel guests may use the computers and internet connectivity in the Business Center at no cost by using their room passkeys for entrance.

  11. Why are there no more rooms available for the first night of LEP2011?
  12. Another convention at the hotel reserved the remaining rooms in the hotel for the first night of LEP2011 after we signed our contract for our performance block. Any unsold rooms for that convention will become available beginning July 11, 2011. Please contact the hotel on that day to reserve a room for the first night of LEP2011.

  13. Is parking free for guests of the DoubleTree Hotel?
  14. Yes. If you purchased a guest room at the DoubleTree Hotel, you will use your hotel key to exit the parking lot free. Day visitors must exit the parking lot with a free parking pass that can be picked up from the LEP2011 Registration desk.

  15. What are the benefits for paying the $15 registration fee for LEP2011?
  16. Unlimited access to Kuld Lõvi, the Festival’s focal point for entertainment, socializing, and audience participation events. You will also receive the LEP2011 program guide and the festival lapel pin or handband allowing you access to Kuld Lõvi.

  17. Is festival registration mandatory if I only wish to attend one event?
  18. Registration is recommended, but not mandatory.

  19. Are children allowed into Kuld Lõvi?
  20. All children of all ages are allowed entry into Kuld Lõvi at all times, provided they have a LEP2011 lapel pin or handband.

  21. Is there a salakõrts or secret pub?
  22. The traditional 21 and over Estonian pub has been replaced by the Kuld Lõvi, a festive entertainment hall for all ages. Non-hosted beverage service is available.

  23. When are folk dance practices scheduled?
  24. Folk dancers will rehearse at the DoubleTree Hotel from 9:00 am – 11:30 am on Thursday, and from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm on Friday.

  25. When are choir rehearsals scheduled?
  26. The choir will rehearse at Clackamas Community College’s Niemeyer Center from 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm on Tuesday, and at the DoubleTree Hotel from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and also from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm on Friday.

  27. What can I expect the weather in Portland to be like during the first week of August?
  28. July and August are typically the driest months of the year. The temperature range varies from a low of 57°F (14°C) to a high of 86°(30°C). Early mornings range between 60°F to 65°F while late evenings will often remain at 70°F to 75°F. Sunrise occurs at 5:57 am and sunset occurs at 8:36 pm.

  29. Is a grocery store available near the DoubleTree hotel?
  30. A large grocery store, Safeway, is located at 1100 NE Broadway, approximately 4 blocks north from the hotel. The store is open from 5:00 am – 1:00 am each day.

  31. Is a liquor store available near the DoubleTree hotel?
  32. A liquor store is located at 1621 NE 9th avenue, approximately 3 blocks north from the hotel. The store is open from 11:00 am – 8:00 pm, Monday through Saturday, and from 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Sunday.

  33. Will I have the opportunity to photograph my friends or my family with the Kuld Lõvi, the official mascot of LEP2011?
  34. Kuld Lõvi will always be available to be photographed with your friends and family members whenever he attends an event! He enjoys the attention.

  35. What language does Kuld Lõvi speak?
  36. Kuld Lõvi does not speak, however, he is a good listener and readily understands Estonian and English!

  37. May I take photographs or a video recording of performances?
  38. Photographs and video recording is not allowed at the Opening Ceremony. However, you may take photographs or record video for personal viewing at all other events.

  39. What do you do with the money you make at LEP2011?
  40. Following LEP2011 when all our bills are paid, we return our startup capital to the Estonian Heritage Foundation along with a minor percentage of net funds established in the Bylaws of the Estonian League of the West Coast. The remainder of the net funds will be distributed to the many volunteer performers and performing troupes who have incurred considerable expense to participate at LEP2011.