Enter Sew Cranky's "Snowflake Challenge" now for prizes; enjoy family fun at Jan. 19 "Hobbyhorse Hoedown"

Sew Cranky invites you to drop in at 322 Quincy Street in Hancock to create a snowflake for this year's "Snowflake Challenge." Cash prizes! (Poster courtesy Ginger Alberti of Sew Cranky)

HANCOCK -- This winter's Heikinpäivä festival in Hancock includes two family events -- the "Snowflake Challenge" at Sew Cranky and the "Hobbyhorse Hoedown" at the Finnish American Heritage Center.

Snowflake Challenge

Sew Cranky is a unique shop in Hancock where you can create a snowflake using a hand-crank sewing machine and enter it in the "Snowflake Challenge" any time from now to February 16, 2024, for cash prizes or a gift certificate. You can drop in at 322 Quincy Street in Hancock and Sew Cranky will supply the machines, materials and help. Snowflakes must be made on Sew Cranky's antique hand-cranked machines. The contest is open to all ages. Cost is only $3 to enter a snowflake, and the money goes to the cash prizes. All skill levels can win prizes. This is a drop-in project, but if you have a group you can call to check how busy they are. Winners will be announced on Feb. 23, 2024. You do not have to be present to win.

During the 2022 "Snowflake Challenge," Mike Sabo of Sew Cranky offers Jethro Loosemore advice on using a hand-crank sewing machine to create a snowflake for the a drop-in project for all ages that is happening again this winter at the Hancock shop. Also pictured, from right, are Maureen Loosemore, assisting son Jacob, and Kaitlyn Loosemore. (Keweenaw Now file photo)*

Sew Cranky is open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Sunday. Call 906.523.5803 or 818.606.0065 to check availability. The Snowflake Challenge is part of Heikinpäivä, a Finnish Theme Committee, City of Hancock, winter event.

Hobbyhorse Hoedown

The Hobbyhorse Hoedown offers fun for the whole family. (Poster courtesy Ginger Alberti of Sew Cranky)

The Hobbyhorse Hoedown (Family Fun Night) is also part of Heikinpäivä, a Finnish American winter festival in Hancock that will occur in January 2024. Bring the whole family to the Hobbyhorse Hoedown from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, at the Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy Street, Hancock. If you made a Hobbyhorse, bring it for Hobbyhorse games for young and old, a Grand Gallop March, Hoedown Dances, Finnish Dances and snacks. Music will be provided by Oren Tikkanen, Dave Bezotte and Matt Durocher. Bring a horse, borrow a horse, or just come and dance! Admission is only $5 per family.

You can also ride your Hobbyhorse in the Heikinpäivä Parade on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024.

The Hobbyhorse Hoedown offers fun for the whole family! (Poster courtesy Ginger Alberti)

This event is sponsored by Heikinpäivä / Finnish Theme Committee and the City of Hancock. For more info call 818.606.0065 or email KivajatDancers@gmail.com.

*Editor's Note: CLICK HERE to see our Feb. 13, 2023, Keweenaw Now article on last winter's Snowflake Challenge.