Laskiainen, the traditional Finnish sliding festival, will take place this year on Saturday, February 3, and Sunday, February 4, at the Loon Lake Community Center in Palo (Aurora), Minnesota.
Community members and visitors are encouraged to bring toboggan-style (plastic or wood) sleds. There will also be sleigh rides, carriage rides, and dog sled rides.
All are invited to join friends and neighbors on both days of the festival as we gather to enjoy Finnish meals, including Moijakka (Finnish stew), a pancake breakfast on Sunday morning, and a Pea Soup Dinner on Sunday evening.
Between meals, attendees can visit vendors and see artisans and demonstrators in the Laskiainen tradition. Goods are also available for purchase at Laskiainen Shoppe and a pop-up Finnish bakery, which visitors can explore along with a museum and Old Co-op Theater.
On Saturday, two basketball games (the first for youths beginning at 10 a.m. and the second for “Old Timers” at 6 p.m.) will be followed by the 7:30 p.m. Laskiainen Lakers basketball game.
Festivities will kick off in advance with the Queen Coronation at 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 1 at the Loon Lake Community Center, followed by the Queen’s Coffee and Cake reception. Sunday will feature live music from bluegrass band Monroe Crossing beginning at 1 p.m.
Reconnect with folks you haven’t seen for a long time and meet new friends at Laskiainen 2024. You can learn more on the Laskiainen Facebook page and also check out Discover the Range’s coverage of the event on social media.
