Come and have some fun at Heikin Huvipuisto (Heikki's Fun Park)

Kicksled races for children
January 28, 2012 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. New to Heikinpäivä this year will be kicksled races for children. While the specifics will be kept under wraps until race time, participants can rest assured that the event will be fast and fun!

Wife Carrying (Eukonkanto) Competition

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.

More Fun for All Ages

This year's festival will also include a reindeer encampment , the vipukelkka (whipsled) — which is known by many other names in Finnish including napakelkka, hulluhevonen and hoijakka — traditional log burning, and more. Check back soon for additional information.