Heikinpäivä 2023, the Finnish-American Mid-Winter Festival in Hancock, is underway. The main events, open to the public, will happen on Saturday, January 28, on Quincy Street in Hancock. The celebration’s themes are taken from a Finnish folk saying associated with the name day for Heikki (Henrik’s day, 19 January). See Saturday's schedule below:
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. -- Tori markets, Finnish American Heritage Center and United Methodist Church.
11 a.m. -- The Heikinpäivä Parade begins near La Cantina Mexican Restaurant on Quincy Street and heads toward the Finnish American Heritage Center. The Parade includes Finnish characters from the Kalevala (Finnish epic) along with St. Henrik and Heikki Lunta. Cash prizes will be awarded for entries.
Karhunpeijäiset -- Join the costumed parade participants in a circle dance.
Immediately following the Parade: Outdoor Games (including vipukelkka (whip sled), kick sled races, Eukonkanto (Wife Carrying), etc. Quincy Green next to Finnish American Heritage Center.
Polar Bear Dive -- Has not been announced.
1 p.m. -- Mark Munger, Duluth author: book talk and signing at North Wind Books, 601 Quincy Street.
2 p.m. - 4 p.m. -- Animal Life: Art from the Kalevala -- Opening Reception. Traditional Finnish refreshments will be served. Copper Country Community Arts Center, 126 Quincy Street, Hancock. The Kalevala is a 19th century work of poetry compiled by Elias Lönnrot from Finnish and Karelian oral folklore and mythology. It is regarded as the national epic poem of Finland and is one of the significant works of Finnish literature. The annual open call exhibition asks artists to create artwork relating to the many animals that are part of the Finnish epic poem, as imagery and symbolism. The exhibition ends on Kalevala Day, Tuesday, February 28.
7 p.m. - 10 p.m. --Iltamat (dance and buffet). Finnish American Heritage Center. $15. Music by Back Room Boys, featuring the accordion and Finnish vocals of Pasi Lautala. Family-friendly. Bring the kids, the old folks, and your dance slippers.
