More than a dozen community programs scheduled prior to the main event
HANCOCK -- Not much compares to the taste of homemade nisu fresh from the oven.
That was just one lesson taught during a Heikinpaiva baking class held Monday night. Participants also learned how to braid the sweet bread into loaves and intensify the flavor.
"Using milk, I didn't have to scald it first, which is really helpful because it's very time consuming, and I usually end up burning it,” says Kristin Beck. “That's why people don't eat my bread and the reason I came here."
Sweet sounds were the goal of another Heikinpaiva group, working to build their own five-string kanteles. They sanded the wood and glued the instrument together piece by piece.
Many plan to attend a future class where they'll learn how to play, but one woman says hers is a gift for a cousin in Finland who’s a talented musician.
"I’m sure this will be an experience I treasure for the rest of my life,” says Helen Holmstrom. “Outi won't believe I made it. It'll be a phenomenal family story. She'll love it."
Passing on these Finnish traditions is an important part of Hancock’s annual Heikinpaiva Festival.
The main celebration is set for January 29, but excitement for the event seems to start earlier each year.
"It really is designed to throw winter on its side, so you can get out enjoy things and learn things," says organizer Jim Kurtti. “By the time Heikinpaiva is over, it seems like winter is over."
Even if baking or building isn't your thing, there are more than a dozen Heikinpaiva programs scheduled this month, so there are plenty of ways for everyone to get in on the Finnish fun.
And organizers say they’re always looking for new people to volunteer with the Finnish Theme Committee.
Anyone interested should contact Mary Pekkala: (906) 482-1413 or mpekkala@chartermi.net.
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