File photo of Kaleva parade down 9 Mile Road by Mark Videan.
From staff reports
KALEVA — No need to travel to Finland to watch the Finnish Wife Carrying Contest. This year’s Kaleva Heritage Days will bring back the sport and many family-friendly activities dear to the hearts of members of this Finnish community during the July 15-16 event.
Food, a craft show, competitions, live music, a car show, pig roast, parade, fireworks and more will take place at various downtown locations as well as the Kaleva Roadside Park on 9 Mile Road and the Maple Grove Township Community Center at 9208 Kauko Street.
After several years’ absence, the two-day affair was brought back to life with the enthusiasm and hard work of community members who organized several successful fundraising events here in the heart of Manistee County.
“The fundraisers along with a few generous donations got us almost to our goal,” Kris Flaherty, one of the volunteer organizers, said. “We are still expecting a few businesses to respond to letters we sent out, so hopefully we will meet or exceed the $15,000 we were aiming for. We’re almost there.”
Kaleva, established by Finnish immigrants in 1900, is named for “The Kalevala”, a Finnish epic poem, according to information shared on the village’s website.
See the full schedule of activities on the Facebook page for Kaleva Heritage Days HERE, and learn more about the village and upcoming concerts at: kalevamichigan.com
