On February 7th and 8th, 2026, the shores of Loon Lake in Palo, MN, came alive for the 88th Annual Laskiainen Finnish Sliding Festival. A cherished mid-winter tradition, the event brought together families for a weekend of ice sliding, artisan crafts, and traditional Finnish treats like cardamom bread and Mojakka.
A Tradition of Community
Since around 2017, the Friends of Finland (FOF) have organized a caravan to the Laskiainen Finnish Sliding Festival, ensuring the intergenerational spirit remains strong. This year, 42 people from the North Shore made the trip, including 17 youth and 25 adults. To make the event accessible for everyone, FOF provided chaperones for youth participants whose parents couldn’t attend.
To give you a little background, Laskiainen (pronounced Lass-keeeye-nen) is the Finnish celebration of Shrove Tuesday, marking the transition from the dark of winter to the hope of spring.
Historically, the festival was tied to the coming harvest. Young women would slide down snowy hills in white linen dresses; the further they glided, the taller their flax would grow in the coming year! While the focus has shifted from farming to community fun, several historic elements remain:
• The Sliding Track: A thrilling ride down the hill and onto the frozen lake.
• The Traditional Ride: is a sled attached to a central post by a long pole and pushed in a highspeed circle.
• Traditional food: Attendees warmed up with Mojakka (beef/ vegetable soup), air pudding, Cardamom Bread, and hot coffee. Throughout the festival, there were a variety of food choices.
• There were also dog sled rides, which many (young and old) enjoyed.
Save the Date: St. Urho’s Day! The festivities don’t stop here. Get ready for the 51st Annual St. Urho’s Celebration from March 13–15, 2026.
This year’s theme is “St. Urho in Wundeяland.” Grab your green and purple attire and head to Finland, MN for one of the most beloved historic events in the region!
Upcoming FOF Events & Activities Friends of Finland hosts a variety of weekly programs at the Clair Nelson Center in Finland, MN.
• Community Visioning Session – Monday, Feb 16 at 11 am at the Clair Nelson Center in Finland, MN – This community visioning session is your opportunity to share your ideas for ways you would like to see the grounds surrounding the Community Center developed in the future.
• Youth Night – Thursdays 6 pm – 9 pm
• Teen (game) Night – 12 or older – Friday Starts at 7 pm. New participants must stop in and register with their parents.
• Kids Play Time – Fridays 11 am-1 pm. Bring your little ones (ages 0-5) to Little Kids Play Time in the gym at the Clair Nelson Center. This new program aims to offer a space where local young children can socialize and play together. Parents are asked to attend with their children.
If you would like to get involved: Registration: To join Youth Night or other programs, call 218-353-0030 or simply stop by on a Thursday night.
Share a Skill: If you have a hobby or skill you’d like to teach local youth, please call 218-226-8547.
Support FOF: Donations help keep these programs running! You can give online at https://www.givemn.org/give/Friends-Of-The-Finland-Community or mail a check to: Friends of Finland, PO Box 582, Finland, MN 55603.
