Third annual Festival Ruska is September 27-30

Festival Ruska is back for 2017! This annual fall festival, which is scheduled for September 27-30, is hosted by Finlandia University to celebrate the Keweenaw Peninsula’s Finnish roots through incredible cultural activities.

In the Copper Country, much like in Finland, September ends with an explosion of color in the forests. This is the season known as ‘ruska,’ when the autumnal reds, browns and yellows are especially beautiful on the fells of Lapland and it’s a popular time for folks to get out and enjoy nature. At Festival Ruska, Finlandia University is celebrating the arrival of the Copper Country’s ruska with a variety of cultural activities.

“This year’s lineup of events will make for a memorable fall weekend in the Copper Country,” Vice President of University Relations Karin Van Dyke said. “We’re proud to be offering events for people of all ages and interests, we know you’ll find something you will love on this year’s list of events.”

Festival Ruska’s premier events include a French-Canadian Dance featuring the Thimbleberry Band on Wednesday night at the Finnish American Heritage Center and Runebergskören BSB, a Swedish-speaking male choir from Hancock’s sister city of Porvoo, Finland on Saturday night at the Calumet Theatre. Tickets are available now for the choir, $10 for adults and $5 for children through the theatre’s box office.

During the day on Wednesday, September 27 there will a presentation on U.P. dialect by Dr. Wil Rankinen from Grand Valley State University and a book signing by Meredith Fuller, who recently released a Finnish-American mystery novel. Also this year, there is a Mölkky tournament on Quincy Green Thursday night, Bakers and Books at North Wind Books Thursday morning and the debut of “Festival Ruska Bad Movie Night” Friday at Wargelin Hall on FinnU’s campus.

For more information, including a full list of events, visit finlandia.edu/ruska/schedule or call the Finnish American Heritage Center at (906) 487-7347.

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