State Rep. Greg Markkanen saw his resolution to honor Feb. 18-24 as sauna week in Michigan pass the House with overwhelming bipartisan support. The sauna is a valuable part of Finnish American culture and practice. Michigan has more Finnish immigrants than any other state and has six counties in the western Upper Peninsula where Finns make up the largest ethnic group.
“There are so many Yoopers with Finnish heritage, making celebrating Finnish history all the more important in the Upper Peninsula,” said Markkanen, R-Hancock. “Saunas are essential to Finnish culture. Finns of all generations enjoy traditional saunas for cleansing and as a vital source of relaxation and socializing.”
Hancock is home to the Finnish American Heritage Center, where patrons can view the national archive of Finnish Americans.
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