Locals gather for Fika Fest

Remy Klein, a kindergartner at Pine Siskin Waldorf school in Sisters, enjoyed Fika Fest last Saturday along with her younger sister. The event featured a raffle and crafts, together with artists and musicians including Jacob Everett Wallace, Aidan Moye, Amanda Marie, and Raina Verhey.

The kindergartner said, "Going to the Fika Fest and coloring is fun." She elaborated, "I was coloring a cat and now I'm cutting out a bat."

"Fika is a coffee shop," she explained. "I get to see my dad's friends."

Her father, Kellen Klein, sat nearby. "This is our local haunt, our 'third place,'" he said. "It's perfect for community-building, and we are grateful for any family-friendly establishments, especially on a weekend."

Like parents everywhere, he wondered, "What we can do to entertain the kids?" Crafts and face painting were planned for them at the fest.

Fika Sisters Coffeehouse founder Renée Reitmeier described the event as the "first annual Fika Fest." She credited others with making it happen. She expressed thanks in particular to "Ezra, Jacob, my mom, and the Fika baristas."

The Fika tradition - taking the time for a daily ritual of savoring coffee and pastries - is derived from Reitmeier's Swedish heritage.

Since opening about a year before the Covid pandemic hit, Fika (pronounced FEE-ka) has become a cherished hangout among many locals. The coffeehouse has a small shared workspace attached, and plays host to business networking meetings.

Klein, who directs a local nonprofit organization, said he comes to Fika "about every other day. It's like a second City Hall."

Located along Barclay Drive, Fika can also be found online at fikasisters.com.