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HANCOCK — Winter’s almost half over, so celebrate the season’s midpoint by learning a new Finnish folk tradition.
As part of the Heikinpäivä festival, folks will have the chance to learn to make squeaky cheese (leipäjuusto in Finnish) or to partake in the fiber art of spinning. The cheese classes are at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.; the spinning class is only at 2 p.m. All instruction will take place at the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock.
The spinning class is taught by Jeanne Medlyn, a longtime and well-versed fiber artist. This class is appropriate for beginning spinners, though those with some experience can benefit as well. The cheese-making instructor is Joanna Chopp, who has offered this class during past Heikinpäivä festivals, and is one of the Finnish-Americans featured in the soon-to-be-released cookbook from the Finnish American Heritage Center titled “Tastes of Finnish America: Foods That Make Us Smile.”
Each class is $15 per person payable at the door; advance registration is appreciated and can be made by calling (906) 482-1413 during traditional business hours.
For more information about Heikinpäivä, find the festival’s page on Facebook.
