HANCOCK -- The Heikinpaiva parade is Saturday in Hancock, and one of the special features of the parade will be Nordic walking.
Nordic walking is similar to cross country skiing except there are no skis. Walkers use two poles to provide stability and it can burn up to 30 percent more calories than normal walking. It became popular in the Nordic region a few decades ago and is slowly making its way to the U.S.
Kevin Manninen, Chairman of the Board for Finnfest '13, says Nordic walking is a fun activity for all ages.
"Anyone can do it. It doesn't take much. All it takes are two poles, and the other thing is you can do it anywhere and basically in any type of weather," said Manninen.
The Nordic walking event during the Heikinpaiva parade is a preview to the Nordic walking event at Finnfest, which aims to break the world record.
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