Entertainment : UpperMichigansSource.com

Carl's Awards

Carl Pellonpaa's career shows a dedication to the cause of advancing Finnish culture in the Upper Peninsula. His list of accomplishments and awards is impressive.

Carl received the 1984 Distinguished Finnish-American Award from Honorary Consul of Finland R Seppala, Paul Ollilla, and Committee of FinnFest '84.
In 1988, Carl became Knight of the Order of the White Rose. He was knighted by Former President Mauno Koivisto for hosting Finland Calling and bringing tourists to visit Finland.
Carl served twice as Honorary Consul of Finland for Upper Michigan, one term in the 70's, the other in the 90's.
In 1994 he received the Gold Award from the Finnish Society(Suomi-Seura)at FinnFest USA 1994 in Thousand Oaks California.
In 1996 he served as Chairman for Finnfest USA 1996.
He received Northern Michigan University President's Distinguished Citizens Award in the fall of 1996.
Carl served for almost 14 years as Member of the Transportation Commission of the State of Michigan, several years as Vice Chair. In 1988, a Rest Area east of Marquette was named in his honor for those years on the Transportation Commission.
In 2005, a Finnish Film Crew came to the area, and during FinnGrandFest 2005, video taped Carl's every movement, and produced a documentary about him and the Finland Calling program. The documentary has aired twice in Finland. The producer of the program, Antti Välikangas of Pori, Finland says Finland Calling is the longest continual running television Program in the world. He should know as Antti travels the world looking for Finns outside of Finland who do such programs.
He was named to the Michigan Music Hall of Fame in September of 2006 for all of the years of hosting Finland Calling and playing music every Sunday morning.