Ice conditions force Heikinpäivä Polar Bear Dive cancellation

The recent warming trend has weakened the ice on the Portage Canal, so the Heikinpäivä Polar Bear Dive for 2017 is cancelled.

“We just can’t risk the safety of our participants,” Polar Bear Dive coordinator Julie Knight said. “The Coast Guard recommends that nobody be on the ice, and since the weather is supposed to be warmer than normal for the coming days, it’s not likely the ice conditions will improve in time to try to have the dive.”

Folks are encouraged to take part in the many other aspects of Heikinpäivä, including the enrichment classes, parade, tori market, outdoor games and evening dance. See a full schedule of events on the Heikinpäivä 2017 website.

For more information about the festival, call 906-482-1413.