UPDATE: Heikinapiva will cancel the parade and outdoor activities for Saturday’s celebration. Organizers encourage festival goers to check out indoor programs and events such as the Tori Market, Satruday evening dance with the Backroom Boys, and the Art of the Kalevala reception. There is also a program on The Magic of Sauna Textiles at 1:30 at the United Methodist Church Fellowship room. Another programing beginning at 2;30 pm is led by Gage Keränen. Check out details for updates to the Heikinpaiva schedule here.
Heiki Lunta brought colder-than-average Heikinpaiva temperatures this weekend, impacting the Finnish American heritage celebration in the Keweenaw region.
Friday’s screening of Fallen Leaves and dinner with Club Finndigo at the Calumet Theatre will be rescheduled for next week due to the cold weather. Additionally, the much-anticipated polar plunge in the Portage Canal, at Takka Saunas, has been postponed.
“In all of our programming we wanted to have the safest polar plunge possible and we really wanted to do this right,” said Jesse Wiederhold, managing director of Visit Keweenaw. “So to do it right we’re going to have to move it. A new date has been selected for Saturday, February 7th from 1 to 3 p.m. This places it on the weekend of carnival so we hope folks will still come out and plunge. Anyone who is pre-registered is safe to come. On the 7th you’re still set to plunge and same time same place just a different date. We got to do safety first.”
Despite the chill, Wiederhold assures that the Heikinpaiva Parade, Bear Spiral, and many other activities will continue as planned. He advises visitors to dress warmly and take precautions during the outdoor events.
“Please keep warm and bundle up during Heikinpaiva’s parade and activities Saturday and Sunday,” Wiederhold added. “Frostbite and hypothermia can develop quickly at temperatures below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.”
He also noted that temperatures on Quincy Street should be more bearable compared to the canal area and some talks or speeches may be moved indoors.
“Keep an eye out for any signs in case anything has been moved inside. Keep an eye on the schedule. But as of right now today, everything for Heikinpaiva in Hancock is going to take place as planned,” he said.
To stay warm and comfortable, experts recommend layering. Wear a base layer with moisture-wicking materials. A mid layer should help create a warm barrier of air between the base layer and an outer layer of a wind-resistant jacket. Hands and feet tend to lose body heat quicker than other extremities. Consider wearing a base layer of socks and gloves and a second layer on top.
Visitors are encouraged to prepare accordingly to enjoy the spirited Finnish American heritage festivities despite the chill.
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