HANCOCK -- Music, dancing and unrivaled displays of Finnish pride.  Those are just a few of the memories from the last time FinnFest came to the U.P. when it was held in Marquette in 2005.

In just two years, the city of Hancock will host the summer celebration for the third time.

"'It's going to be copper rather than gold, pasty rather than pate, and sauna rather than spa,” says FinnFest 2013 board chair Jim Kurtti.  “We know we have strengths if we accentuate our region, the beautiful scenery and the wonderful people we have here."

The news of FinnFest 2013 was officially announced to members of the Keweenaw Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Thursday morning.  And the group wasted no time sharing their ideas.

Suggestions included adding hockey elements to attract a younger crowd, showcasing successes, such as the SmartZone, and coordinating the festival with other local events.  

"In addition to FinnFest, we'll be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Copper Strike of 1913, and, of course, the 100th anniversary of the Italian Hall disaster, which happened during the strike,” says Hancock City Manager Glenn Anderson.  “It's also the city's 150th anniversary that year."

Of course, planning is just getting started, and there are plenty of opportunities for people to get involved.

Right now organizers are asking for ideas.

They'll also need a number of volunteers and help from anyone who can offer a specific skill, facility, or resource.