Hancock – Finnish Independence Day Celebration

Finnish American Heritage Center hosting Independence Day celebration

Ontonagon County native Fern Malila has been smitten with her Finnish roots ever since a cousin from Finland visited her and her family in Mass City some
decades ago. She’ll share some of her reasons why when she delivers the keynote address at the annual celebration of Finland’s Independence Day, which gets under way at 5:30 p.m Thursday, December 5 at the Finnish American Heritage Center.

This year’s program will feature elements of music, dance and singing, all of which emanate from opportunities created by and at the Finnish American Heritage Center and include participants from several generations. Along with Malila’s remarks, those attending the program will also be the first to learn the identity of the 2025 Hankookin Heikki honoree. That person, who will preside over the annual Heikinpäivä celebration in January, is selected each year by the Copper Country Finns and Friends, the organization (formerly known as the Finnish Theme Committee) that plans and stages the family-friendly event each year.

Program-goers are then invited to stay following the Independence Day commemoration to enjoy the opening reception for the Finlandia Gallery’s “Friends of Finland” art exhibit. This exhibition includes works of Finnish-American artists from across the country whose preferred media range from photography and painting to weaving and other fiber arts. Refreshments will be served.

These programs are free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated. For more information about this night of Finnish-American fun, call (906) 487-7549.