For a long time now the Santa Barbara, California Estonian community has joined together for an Estonian Christmas Party. 

It was always held at Helgi Goppelt’s home. Helgi has been the leader of our community. For the last several years the party has rotated among other members of the community.

The 2017 party was cancelled because of the terrible wildfires that raged close to Santa Barbara. Instead a month later we met for a Estonian Independence Day and Helgi’s 90th Birthday Party. The party was held at Aavo and Fran Koort’s home. 

As usual some members brought Estonian food. This year’s hit were mulgi kapsad by Cherrie Kirisimági. Birthday girl Helgi is second on the right side of the table in checkered blouse.

Text and  photo by 

Aavo Koort