Schedule for 18th annual Heikinpäivä now available

Hancock is once again playing host to the Finnish-American winter cultural festival Heikinpäivä. The 18th annual celebration begins Wednesday, January 25 at Quincy Green and continues through Monday, February 6, with events at locations throughout Hancock.

The main day of festivities is Saturday January 28, with such notable events as the opening parade in downtown Hancock at 11 a.m., and the Polar Bear Dive at 3 p.m., located on the Hancock waterfront near Copper Island Beach Club.

To see a complete listing of events for Heikinpäivä, visit the schedule page at finnishamericanreporter.com/heikin_page/schedule, or download the pdf of the full schedule.

Heikinpäivä is put on by the Finnish Theme Committee through the City of Hancock with help from community organizations such as Copper Country Community Arts Center, Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, Copper Island Beach Club and Zion Lutheran Church.

Volunteers Needed

The event is always looking for help, especially on Saturday to assist with the outdoor games, the parade and the Polar Bear Dive. If you’re interested in helping, please e-mail David Maki, david.maki@finlandia.edu.

2017 Heikinpäivä Schedule

Wednesday, January 25

• 1 p.m.to 5 p.m. — Virsikannel making workshop, Finnish American Heritage Center. $175 per person, includes all materials. The class will include both construction and instruction on the instrument. *NOTE: This class continues on the following day.

Thursday, January 26

• 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. — Virsikannel making workshop continued. Course includes both construction and instruction on the instrument. *NOTE: Students need to attend Wednesday class also.

Friday, January 27

• 2 p.m.  — Virsikannel workshop; open to students of all skill levels, FAHC. Enrollment in this class is free for those who complete the two-day building workshop, $15 for other students.

Saturday, January 28

• 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Tori Market, FAHC
• 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.  — Vipukelkka (Whipsled), kicksleds, mölkky, World’s Largest Kicksled, more! Quincy Green.
• 11 a.m. – Parade, downtown Hancock. Line up at La Cantina restaurant at 10:30 a.m. Prizes.
• Following parade — Wife-carrying contest and kicksled races, Quincy Green. Prizes.
• 3 p.m. — Polar Bear Dive, Hancock waterfront near Copper Island Beach Club. Note: because of weather, this year’s Polar Bear Dive has been cancelled, read more here. 
• 3 p.m. — Closing reception for “Kalevala – Boatlore,” Community Arts Center, Hancock.
• 7 p.m. — Heikinpäivä iltamat (hors d’oeuvres dance), Finnish American Heritage Center. $12 per adult; under 16 free. Music by Wilho Kilpelä & Friends

Sunday, January 29

• 2 p.m. — Finnish Hymn Sing and Concert, Zion Lutheran Church, Hancock. Free and open to the public. Includes a wonderful buffet of Finnish treats!

Friday, February 3

• 6:30-8:30 p.m. — “Family Fun Night” Finnish American Heritage Center. $5 per family. For information, call (906) 523-6271.

Monday, February 6

• 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. — Leipäjuusto (squeaky cheese) making workshop with Joanna Chopp, Finnish American Heritage Center. $15 per person.
• 6 p.m. — Five-string kantele class with Kris Kyrö, Finnish American Heritage Center. $15 per person.