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Heikki Lunta may be a little late to the party, but it won't stop the people of Negaunee from having a party nonetheless.
The city is gearing up for its Heikki Lunta Winter Festival and the third annual Irontown Rail Jam, with events running from Friday through Sunday.
The festival is described on the Negaunee DDA's website as "an unforgettable celebration of winter wonder in the heart of the Upper Peninsula."
The weekend begins at 5 p.m. Friday with the lighting of a bonfire, followed by the Irontown Rail Jam, which is open to skiers and snowboarders.
Other evening events include a fish fry, luge at the U.P. Luge Club, snowshoe lantern tours of Negaunee's Old Town and a VFW open house.
Due to the poor ice conditions, the Teal Lake ice fishing derby has been postponed until further notice.
"After hours of monitoring and testing ice conditions, speaking to local law enforcement, and the city of Negaunee, the South Shore Fishing Association Tournament Committee has made the hard decision to postpone the (event)," a SSFA Facebook post reads. "We will continue to monitor ice conditions and evaluate if we will be able to host this event this year."
Throughout the weekend, breakfast will be available at both the Eagles and the Elks, and the U.P. Luge Club and Ishpeming Ski Club will offer activities into the afternoon.
After an area art show from 1-3 p.m., attendees can participate in sledding, enjoy gourmet s'mores, take miniature horse rides and go to another VFW open house or snowshoe tour. The night will end with a fireworks display over Jackson Mine Park at 8:30 p.m.
The main event on Sunday is the Freeze Yer Fanny Fatbike Race with events for both youth and adults. The Upper Peninsula Brewing Company will host a pasty eating contest to round out the weekend.
Attendees can take advantage of food and beverage specials from over 15 restaurants and breweries throughout the weekend, as well as live music and entertainment. The Tunnel of Lights on the 300 block of Iron Street will give participants another opportunity to take pictures and experience the Heikki Lunta spirit.
"Downtown Negaunee invites everyone to come out and enjoy the outdoor activities we have scheduled for this weekend while the weather is decent," Negaunee City Manager Nate Heffron said. "Negaunee is a great place for you to forge adventure!"
Downtown Negaunee's social district will be open from noon until midnight each day with select vendors from which attendees can purchase alcoholic beverages.
Free parking will be available throughout Negaunee, designated by green Heikki Lunta signs.
Despite his physical absence, the spirit of Heikki Lunta will certainly be felt in Negaunee throughout the weekend.