Artisans and traditional crafters share their knowledge and skills during Heikinpäivä.  If you don't know how to dance the Finnish Tango yet, or how to weave a birchbark basket, now's the perfect opportunity.  Choose from our fine selection of old world crafts and have a blast. 
 

Finnish Dance Hall Lessons

Have you always been a "wallflower" at the annual Heikinpäivä dances? This year, it's time to change that. Phyllis Fredendall and Hannu Leppanen will be teaching the waltz, polka, schottische, foxtrot, two step and humppa in a series of lessons leading up to Heikinpäivä.

Lessons are Thursday evenings, January 10 and 17, 7-8:30 p.m., Community Arts Center, Hancock. Registration $8 for individuals/$15 per couple.

To register, call (906) 487-7505 or e-mail htepsa@webtv.net.

Scandinavian Wood Carving

Pete Olson, Tapiola resident and member of the Oak Copper Country Wood Carvers, provides an opportunity to learn the ancient fan-carving technique. Pete will also lead a class on making trees from wood shavings. These exquisite examples of Finnish folk art are a rare find today. Learn to create your own heirlooms by signing up today.

Jan 14 (Mon.), Fan-carving angel class, 6 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church

Jan. 21, (Mon.), Fan-carving bird class, 6 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church.

$15 registration for either class. Bring a sharp pocket knife -- all other materials will be provided.

To register, call (906) 487-7505 or e-mail htepsa@webtv.net.

Leipäjuusto (Squeaky Cheese)

Take the mystery out of making squeaky cheese. Juustoa maker Theresa Kraker of Alston will provide a hands-on approach to making this traditional foodway so popular in Finnish-American communities. Classes at 3 p.m. or 6 p.m. Monday January 14, Zion Lutheran Church, 400 Ingot St., Hancock. Limit 15 people. $10 registration fee. Coffee and cheese social to follow.

To register, call (906) 487-7505 or e-mail htepsa@webtv.net.

Five-String Kantele

Kay Seppälä, leader of the children's dance group "Kivajat," will teach the basics of the five-string kantele. Jan. 19 (Sat.), 1:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church, Hancock. Limit 16 people. For ages 13 and above. Registration $6. Instruments provided

To register, call (906) 487-7505 or e-mail htepsa@webtv.net

Bones

Randy Seppälä, a well-known area musician, will teach the techniques of the bones, along with Johnny Perona (Peruna Jussi). Jan. 19 (Sat.), 2:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church, Hancock. $2 fee. Instruments provided.

To register, call (906) 487-7505 or e-mail htepsa@webtv.net.

Finnish Tango

Undeniably the Tango king of Finnish America, Ralph Tuttila will teach the Finnish tango. 

Be prepared for a night of dancing at the Heikinpäivä banquet and dance by learning from the experts.

Jan 18 (Fri.), 6 p.m. — Tango lessons by Ralph Tuttila, South Range Community Center. $15 per couple, $8 for singles (partner not necessary).

To register, call (906) 487-7505 or e-mail htepsa@webtv.net

Finnish/Scandinavian Wheat Weaving

Midge Waters of Negaunee, Mich., will offer instruction in the techniques of weaving with wheat.

Jan. 19 (Sat.) 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., Finnish American Heritage Center. $16 per person - includes all supplies. Limit 12 people. To register, call (906) 487-7505 or e-mail htepsa@webtv.net

Finnish Coffee Table/Cooking Demonstrations

Anneli Johnson of Garfield, Mass., will offer a variety of courses and presentations, including instruction on the Finnish coffee table tradition and commercial-level baking of Finnish foods. Johnson, who is coming to Hancock thanks to a grant from Finlandia Foundation National (of which the Finnish Theme Committee is a chapter) has become widely recognized for her presentations at FinnFests and other ethnic celebrations around the continent.

Jan. 20 (Sun.) 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., (*Note: Each session is unique, see schedule for detail) Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly, Hancock. $10 per person per class. To register, call (906) 487-7505 or e-mail htepsa@webtv.net

Anneli Johnson's Recipes may be downloaded here.

Jan. 21 (Mon.) 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church, Ha

ncock. $10 per person per class (*Note: Each session is unique, see schedule for detail) To register, call (906) 487-7505 or e-mail htepsa@webtv.net