Games are sponsored by the Maasto Hiihto & Churning Rapids Ski Trails / Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club

Boot-Throwing (saapaanheitto) Competition
January 19, 2008 following the parade on the Hancock Middle School lawn

Finns love to compete. If there isn't a competition going on they invent a new one. One off-beat Finnish competition is Boot Throwing (saapaanheitto), which is harder than it looks. Competitors swing a Finnish Nokia rubber boot, either standing at the line or taking a running start. Whoever throws the boot the furthest, while staying within the designated area, gets the prize.

The competition will be divided into men's and women's divisions. Each competitor gets two attempts. Top finishers will be awarded prizes.

Wife Carrying (Eukonkanto) Competition
immediately following boot throwing

Perhaps no Finnish competition has received more media attention than Eukonkanto —The Wife-Carrying contest — which started in Sonkajärvi in 1992. Finns around the world have picked up on this quirky event as an opportunity to mix Finnish endurance — called "sisu" — with good, old-fashioned fun. These days, where Finns gather there's apt to be a Wife-Carrying contest. The competition — Heikinpäivä style — will take on new, interesting dimensions in the middle of January!

History:

The idea of the Wife Carrying Competition, in spite of its humorous aspects, has deep roots in local Sonkajärvi history, at least according to local organizers. In the late 1800's there lived a brigand called Rosvo-Ronkainen, who only accepted in his troop only those men who proved their worth on a challenging track. Also in those days, it was also a common practice to steal women from the neighboring villages.

Rules:

Heikinpäivä organizers haven't revealed the particulars connected to our local celebration during mid-winter conditions, but they guarantee it will be a fun time for all and prizes will be awarded. Local Finnish radio personality Linda Graham (host of Laulun Voima) serves as emcee for all the competitions.

Children's Kicksled Races

New to the festival this year are kicksled races for children. Check back soon for additional information.

Leisure classic cross-country skiing

The Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club invites all Heikinpäivä attendees to ski the Maasto Hiihto ski trail system in Hancock from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. January 20 & 21. The ski chalet at the Hancock Driving Park will be open.