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HANCOCK — Sign up today for Heikinpäivä enrichment classes and treat yourself to a feast for all the senses.
On Monday, January 18, Zion Lutheran Church in Hancock will host a trio of Heikinpäivä enrichment classes — wooden bird carving, korvapuusti making and 5-string kantele playing. Where else but during Heikinpäivä can you learn three Finnish folk traditions under the same roof in 2016?
Classes will be offered at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., with $10 registration per person per class. Advance registration is encouraged by calling (906) 482-1413 (between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., please) or emailing marypek@charter.net because seating is limited.
Tapiola wood carver Pete Olson, a longtime leader of the Copper Country Wood Carvers, will share his skill in carving fan birds. These unique creations are crafted from one piece of wood and would be a welcome decoration in any home. Participants should bring a sharp knife; all other materials will be provided.
At the same time, Hancock’s Kayleen Holmstrom will be offer some tips and techniques in making the Finnish treat korvapuusti. The word means “slap on the ear,” and though it’s unlikely linguists will ever be certain how these sweet rolls got their name, they all agree on one thing — they taste great. Holmstrom is known for her exceptional korvapuusti, so many potential students have likely experienced the delight of eating one and will surely want to make this Finnish tradition a part of their own kitchen repertoire.
The ears that aren’t on the baking trays will be treated as well on this first night of Heikinpäivä enrichment programming. Local musician Kris Kyrö will give instruction on how to play the 5-string kantele. This class is ideal for both the musically inclined folks, as well as those who’ve never touched an instrument before. The only necessary skill is being able to count to five. And, in about five minutes, you’ll be making music like a veteran player.
Heikinpäivä is the City of Hancock’s mid-winter festival, and is sponsored by the city’s Finnish Theme Committee. For more about the festival, visit pasty.com/heikki or find Heikinpäivä on Facebook.
