Nate Heffron, city manager, city of Negaunee

Guess who’s coming to Negaunee? Heikki Lunta! That’s right, it’s that time of year again where its’s cold and someone has been playing the Heikki Lunta song way too much.

The celebration will kick off on Friday, Jan. 28 at 5 p.m. Mayor Dana Lalonde will light the ceremonial bonfire near Barr’s Bar.

Then the real excitement starts! Heikki Lunta’s 2022 inaugural rail jam in heart of downtown Negaunee.

Cash prizes will be awarded to those with the best performances. There is a $20 entry free to participate.

Both Friday and Saturday nights will include lantern snowshoe tours of Old Town Negaunee, hosted by the Cliff’s Shaft Mine Museum and Ternary Bakery. Snowshoes are not required and will not be provided. Afterwards, participants can warm up at one of Negaunee’s Downtown eateries or drinkeries.

Saturday will open with a major fishing tournament on Teal Lake, hosted by the South Shore Fishing Association from 7am to 2 p.m. You can find more event details, including how to participate by visiting www.southshorefishing.com. Parking for the event will be available at the Lake View Elementary School.

Then, from 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Smarty’s Saloon and the Ishpeming Rotary Club are hosting a sledding party at Jackson Mine Park near the bonfire. Families can bring sleds if they wish, some will be provided. The fun doesn’t stop there, at the same time at the bonfire a gourmet s’mores bar will be available.

Once you finish your sledding and s’mores, head on up to the tunnel of lights to see the Freeze Yer Fanny Fat Bike Race. Several classes of racing will be going through downtown Negaunee to Old Town. Brought to you by UPCoss and Love & Bicycles. And, maybe you have what it takes to compete. Visit www.upcross.us for more information or to participate.

Friday

5-7 p.m. – Fish fry at the Eagles.

6-9 p.m. – U.P. Luge Club activities, public sliding (registration and regular rates apply).

Saturday

8-noon – Breakfast at the Eagles.

9-11 a.m. – Breakfast at the Elks sponsored by the Negaunee Irontown Association.

9-11 a.m.- Bloody Mary Bar hosted by the Negaunee Elks.

11 a.m.-4 p.m. – Up Luge Club activities, public sliding, snowshoe trail, bon fire.

11 a.m.-4 p.m. – Ishpeming Ski Club – AM training, Open House and Trails.

11 a.m.-midnight – Open House Negaunee VFW.

1-3 p.m. – All School Art Show sponsored by the Knights of Columbus (St. Paul’s Gym).

Close out Heikki Lunta 2022 with a fireworks display. Spectators can gather between the bonfire and Negaunee Senior Center on Tobin Street for a spectacular display sponsored by Jackson’s Pit and Tino’s Pizza.

We invite everyone far and wide to come to Negaunee and experience the new Heikki Lunta.

Those that plan on not attending, just remember, Heikki makes it snow, and you don’t want to offend him, there’s still a few more months of winter left. We hope to see you there.