Those traveling around the region today and tomorrow should report damaged roadways and property to Houghton County. Report damaged roads to the road commission at 906 482 3600. Report general property damage to the sheriff’s office or emergency manager.
It was not the first Juhannus in Hancock. But it was certainly a successful weekend. Visit Keweenaw, Copper Country Finns and Friends, and Long Drink brought plenty of fun to the center of Hancock. Though the Kokko Friday evening only lasted a few short minutes, Jesse Wiederhold from Keweenaw was happy to see the many smiles on attendees’ faces.
However, folks were smiling; they got to see their big Juhannus Kokko and we tried something different. We did it. So, yes, with all these events, right, you live and you learn. We did not have as long a bonfire as we wanted to, but we did it. Nobody got hurt. So, it was great. – Jesse Wiederhold, Community and Events Coordinator, Visit Keweenaw
Saturday started with some bright sunshine breaking through after a morning thunderstorm. The city raised a new midsummer pole covered in birch branches and flowers.
We’ve heard from people who came today that they feel it’s busier than the prior pole raisings in the past. And that is the goal. We want to flood Hancock and bring everyone here to experience all of the work that’s being done on the Quincy Green from chairs and seating to the new lawn being put in and down at Porvoo Park. It’s all wonderful. – Jesse Wiederhold, Community and Events Coordinator, Visit Keweenaw
Later that evening the city found out it was awarded with a very special honor from Finland.
Jim Kurtti has spent countless hours in the copper country, finns and friends, over the last three years, hosting heikinpaiva and turning it into something else. Sauna week, having stuff during the summer. This is what it takes to prove that our culture and our heritage are so in tune with Finland, with these finno-ugric capitals of the world. – Jesse Wiederhold, Community and Events Coordinator, Visit Keweenaw
Juhannus with a Visit Keweenaw and Long Drink expanded on a long-held tradition in the copper country. Cultural festivals are important to keeping a community’s heritage alive. Copper Country Finns and Friends will use proceeds raised from juhannus to support other cultural programs throughout the year.
Copper Country Finns and Friends and Visit Keweenaw plan to host a conference on Wednesday at the Finnish American Heritage Center to announce the Finno-Ugric award for the city of Hancock. The event will begin at 9am.
