Sisu Ski Fest ready for big weekend

By CHARITY SMITH

csmith@yourdailyglobe.com

Ironwood — The Sisu Ski Fest is gearing up for a weekend full of activities, including sponsoring First Friday events, the races on Saturday, and a fat tire bike event on Sunday.

“We are returning to a live in-person event,” said Jackie Powers, race director. “We skipped 2021. It was a virtual race.”

However, Sisu officials are requiring masks on the buses and all indoor spaces. Powers said that they are asking those who have tested positive within the last week and those who are experiencing symptoms of any illness to please stay home and take care of themselves.

“That’s our way of trying to keep people as safe as we can,” said Powers. “Of course, when they are out there skiing COVID is not an issue, but getting their bib, getting their pasty after they finish skiing, going to the theater for the concert Saturday night — these are all places where we will be expecting people to be masked up and staying safe.”

There are currently 750 people registered for the cross country ski races, which is a record for the event, said Powers. She said that all races are nearing capacity.

As of Tuesday, there were only 35 spots left for the 30K skate race, which has a capacity of 400 racers. The 30K classic race is capped at 180 racers and there were only 20 spots left. The 15K classic and skate races had ample spots left and are capped at 150 racers. Those interested in signing up for the race may do so until 10 p.m. on Friday or until the race reaches its capacity.

The 5K fun ski will start at Irownood’s city garage on Penokee Road at 1 p.m. and finish at the Downtown City Square. Registration for the 5K race is available until 11 a.m. on Saturday.

All the races will end up at the same finish line, said Powers.

There are 300 volunteers signed up to help with the race, she said.

On Saturday, the races will start between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. at the ABR Trails in Erwin Township and finish in the City Square. This is the first year the race has finished in the new square as in years past the race finished in the parking lot that was once there. Powers said they will have the square decorated for the event and the gas fire pit going. She said spectators can gather in the square from about 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and have a good view of the racers coming in.

Powers said that on the website there are maps available and information for spectators with lists of places where spectators can easily park their car and see the race go by. Besides the finish line, she suggests the River House aide station on Riverside Drive, and an aide station on Kinnunen Road which is really easy to access.

Following the races, participants will be served a pasty.

Race organizers will host a free concert by the Black River Band from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Historic Ironwood Theatre that evening. The local band’s motto is “music with groove.”

The theater’s wine bar and concessions will be open for the concert.

“You don’t have to come at 7 and stay for the whole concert. It’s informal,” said Powers. “So, it’s OK etiquette to just come and go as you please, because people have dinner and other places to be.”

The Sisu Ski Fest is sponsoring the January First Friday events, as well. The Depot Dash and Snowshoe Book Walk for kids 10 and under will be held Friday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in Depot Park.

During the event, kids will be given a quick lesson and then opportunity to ski a trail around Depot Park.

“So it’s short and very doable for the little kids,” said Powers. “The parents can walk right along side them. They don’t disappear into the woods or anything like that. They just go in a circle right there at Depot Park.”

The Snowshoe Book Walk goes down along the Iron Belle Trail and is co-hosted by Great Start Collaborative. “They take the kids on a little snowshoe hike to go read a book along the trail,” she said.

Skis and snowshoes will be provided for the event, along with refreshments, including hot chocolate and cookies.

The Historic Ironwood Theatre will be showing the movie “Iron Will” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.

The Sisu Ski Fest will also host its annual expo from 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday in the Ironwood Memorial Building’s auditorium. During the expo, race participants can register and/or pickup their bibs. There will also be vendors representing everything from Little Finland, to local ski areas and merchants.

On Sunday, at 11 a.m. the Sisu Dirt Crew will host a free fat tire bike ride on Snow Summit Road Trailhead.

For more information or to register go to Sisuskifest.com.