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The bear will soon be turning over as old Finish legend has it, meaning that winter is nearing the half way point. That was cause for celebration in 1999 and Heikinpäivä was born.
Dave Maki from the Finnish American Reporter said, “It’s typically a cold and dark time of year so we certainly change that by making it bright and colorful and family friendly and give plenty of reasons to celebrate.”
The annual event features four weeks of festivities including dance classes, dinners and film presentations at the Finish American Heritage Center.
The festival is well known for many of its outdoor adventures that will take place towards the end of the month, including a wife carrying contest, kicksled races, and the much anticipated Polar Bear Dive where the crazy, I mean thrill seekers, take a quick dip in the frozen waters of the Portage Canal.
Maki said, “There’s been people from age 18 all the way up to age 80 who’ve taken part and everyone who’s dared to do it has said what an exhilarating time it is.”
The activity was skipped last year due to unsafe ice conditions.
“It’s definitely a family festival and we hope that everyone will take this opportunity to embrace winter because it’s certainly here for us this year and rather than let it get the best of you, get outside and make the best of winter,” said Maki.
A more detailed schedule of events can be found at www.finishamericanreporter.com.
