FITCHBURG — The heat of the sauna, the aroma of fresh pannukakku and the quiet beauty of winter trails will come together during a Celebration of the Sauna on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Finnish Center at Saima Park, 67 Scott Road.
The event will coincide with National Sauna Week, designated Feb. 15 through Feb. 21 by Finlandia Foundation National
“When Finns came to this country, many established summer camps and saunas near lakes,” said Lorna Sulin, a board member of the Finnish Center at Saima Park. “Generations that followed embraced the tradition, enjoying the relaxing yet invigorating ritual of alternating between the hot sauna and cool (and sometimes frigid!) water.”
Several activities are planned for this day beginning with a Pannukakku Breakfast from 8 until 10 a.m.
“The community is welcome to enjoy Finnish oven pancake, bacon, sausage, fruit, orange juice, Finnish coffee bread, and coffee, tea, or cocoa,” Sulin said. Cost is $13 or two for $25.
Loaves of Finnish coffee bread and cinnamon rusks will also be for sale, along with vendors displaying and selling their work including Karen Kemp (artist), beekeeper Susan Parviainen (Son of a Bee), Linda Kiuru (Lark Knits), and Sierra Kautiainen (handmade soaps and bath products).
“Do you have favorite sauna memories? We’ll have a bulletin board where you can post photos or text to share with others,” added Sulin.
From 9 to 11:30 a.m., visitors can take part in a scavenger hunt through the Sauna Museum, Library/Museum and Ravintola. Participants who find all listed items may enter a drawing for a free Pannukakku Breakfast.
“Be sure to visit both museums, which will be open from 9 until noon,” Sulin added. “The Library/Museum has a wealth of Finnish and Finnish-American books and artifacts, including traditional dress and weavings. The Sauna Museum has been lovingly restored by facilities manager Frank Ruosteoja. For your comfort, he will keep a fire going in the kiuas/sauna stove.”
In addition to the celebration, Saima’s trails will be open from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
“The skiing has been great this winter,” Sulin said. “If there is still snow, put on your cross-country skis or snowshoes. If not, wear your hiking boots.”
Trails vary from flat fields to gentle slopes and steeper hills. A limited supply of equipment is available to borrow.
To learn more about the Finnish Center at Saima Park, visit saima-park.org or find “Friends of Saima Park” on Facebook.
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