In 1999, the Finnish Theme Committee of the City of Hancock created a new Finnish-American celebration – Heikinpäivä. The celebration’s themes are taken from Finnish folk saying associated with the name day for Heikki (Henrik’s day, 19 January). By far, the Finns make up the largest ethnic group of Michigan’s Copper Country. In Hancock approximately 40 percent of the population claimed Finnish ancestry in the most recent federal census.

Schedule of Events:

Dec. 15 – Feb. 16, 2024

Snowflake Challenge – Sew Cranky (322 Quincy St., Hancock) with Ginger Alberti (Mon.-Sat. 1-6 p.m.) Learn to sew a pattern on a black felt square on antique hand crank sewing machines. All designs are eligible for contest prizes. $3 to enter. Appropriate for all ages. Call ahead 818-606-0065.

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

2 p.m. – Nordic Film Series – “Poika ja Ilves (Tommy & the Wildcat) – Finnish American Heritage Center. Free-will offering. For information call 906-487-7549.

5:30-9 p.m. – Inkle Band Weaving $60. with Phyllis Fredendall. Optional pick-up project fee $40 – Jutila Center, Hancock – Advanced registration required at finlandia.edu/folkschool or 906-370-3722.

Thursday, January 11, 2024

6-8 pm – Beginning Kantele $15 with Kay Seppälä – Finnish American Heritage Center – Advanced registration required. Register at finlandia.edu/folkschool or call 906-370-3722.

Saturday, January 13, 2024

1-3 pm – Beginning Knitting – $25 with Clare Zuraw – Jutila Fiber Studio. Advanced registration required. Register at finlandia.edu/folkschool or call 906-370-3722.

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

5:30-7:30 pm – Learn to Make Karelian Pies (Karjalanpiirakka) $20 with Riikka Hepokoski. Finnish American Heritage Center. Advanced registration required. Register at finlandia.edu/folkschool or call 906-370-3722.

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

5:30-9 p.m. – Inkle Band Weaving $60. with Phyllis Fredendall. Optional pick-up project fee $40 – Jutila Center, Hancock – Advanced registration at finlandia.edu/folkschool or 906-370-3722.

Friday, January 19, 2024

6-8 pm – Hobby Horse Hoedown –$5 per family, with Kay Seppälä and Ginger Alberti – Finnish American Heritage Center. For more, email [email protected] or call 818-606-0065.

Sunday, January 21, 2024

Finn Horse at Sew Cranky (QUILT BLOCK MAKING WORKSHOP) – $35 at Sew Cranky, 322 Quincy St., Hancock. Advanced registration required at finlandia.edu/folkschool or call 906-370-3722.

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

6:30-8 pm – Vanhimmat (folk & ballroom dance lessons) $5 per student– with Kay Seppälä, Finnish American Heritage Center. For more email [email protected]

Friday, January 26, 2024

Club Finndigo (dinner & a film) – “Sisu” – Calumet Theater – 5:30 dinner, 7 p.m. movie. * Film contains violent scenes; not for all audiences* For information call 906-337-2610.

Saturday, January 27, 2024

10 a.m.-3 p.m. – Tori markets – Finnish American Heritage Center & United Methodist Church

11 a.m. – Parade – Quincy Street, Hancock. Prizes.

After parade – Spiral Bear Dance – Quincy Green. Outdoor Games – vipukelkka, kick sled races, Wife Carrying (Quincy Green) – Prizes.

1 p.m. – Polar Plunge – Quincy Green – $5

2:30-4 p.m. – Animal Life: Art from the Kalevala – opening reception, Community Arts Center,

7-10 p.m. – Iltamat (dance & buffet) – $15 per person. Finnish American Heritage Center. Music by Back Room Boys. Hors d’oeuvres and raffle.

Fest Date: January 10 - 27, 2024

Location: Various Locations in Hancock, MI

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