Independence Day celebration at Finnish American Heritage Center
HANCOCK — One of the Copper Country’s longest-standing traditions will take place at the Finnish American Heritage Center at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, December 6, when the entity dubbed the “Smithsonian of Finnish America” hosts its annual celebration of Finland’s Independence Day.
The public is invited to the event, which will include a performance by the Kivajat Dancers, musical selections by pianist Kathleen Alatalo Arten, and a message from Finlandia Foundation National, the new proprietors of the Heritage Center. The program will also feature the announcement of the 2024 Hankookin Heikki by the City of Hancock’s Finnish Theme Committee. The chosen honoree will preside over the Heikinpäivä festivities – which take place over several days in January, culminating with a full day of celebration on Saturday, January 27.
The program is expected to be about one hour, and there is no admission charge, but donations are appreciated.
The observance of Finland’s Independence Day marks the 105th consecutive time the Copper Country has marked the occasion. Most of these events took place at
Finlandia University (formerly known as Suomi College), which remained true to the Finnish roots and sensibilities upon which it was founded for the entirety of its 126-year existence. The Finnish American Heritage Center is the most outward expression of this dedication, and now operating under the leadership and with the support of Finlandia Foundation National, it will continue providing patrons from around the world with a direct connection to Finnish-American heritage and history, while preserving the legacy of the university locally and beyond.
For more information about this year’s Independence Day program, call (906) 487-7549.
