The Finnish American Reporter

06/11/2026

If you’re a regular reader of the Finnish American Reporter, you probably saw the May cover story featuring Kuparikielet. Formed in October 2025 at FFN’s Finnish American Folk School in Hancock, Kuparikielet brings together eight young musicians in middle and high school to perform folk dance music. This music includes Finnish folk classics, alongside other folk dance music important in the region including American Bluegrass, Canadian fiddle tunes and swing.

The band members chose the name, which translates to English as Copper Strings, because they wanted something that reflected the connection to Finnish folk music as well as the region where they live, often referred to as the Copper Country because of its history of mining. These young musicians are preserving folk dance music, while also making it their own. Want to hear them for yourself?

Join us next week to celebrate Juhannus where you can expect to hear Kuparikielet and other great musicians performing throughout the summer solstice celebration.

Visit www.FinnishAmericanFolkSchool.com to learn more about Kuparikielet and their upcoming performances in Michigan and beyond.

06/11/2026

06/08/2026

It's almost here. You've been reading about it for months. We can't wait to host you here in Hancock! Are you joining us for Juhannus? Let us know in the comments!

Six months ago, when we began celebrating our year as the Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture, the view out our window looked like you see in the photo below. Now, as we gear up to host several hundred of our closest friends -- and some very special guests who've altered their summer break plans to be with us -- our view is strikingly different.

Summer has arrived, and with it, Juhannus is just around the corner. We have a terrific slate of programs for all ages and cultural interests ... you can find that at www.hancockfinnougric.com.

As for the view these days? Come and see for yourself. Plan to spend the whole weekend. We -- along with our planning partners -- can guarantee you won't regret it!

If you're coming to Hancock for Juhannus, leave us a comment -- and bring along some friends!

05/05/2026

In the bundle of renewal payments in yesterday's mail, was a very uplifting note ... a person was ordering her first-ever subscription, writing on the order form "I'm so excited to have my own subscription, after enjoying other people sharing items from this paper."

Every issue is someone's first edition -- when was yours? Does your subscription date back to when the person you see on this cover image was Finnish America's favorite columnist? Or perhaps further?

When did you first subscribe to FAR, and why? Leave a quick comment and let us know how long we've been your connection to your heritage!

04/29/2026

When your May edition arrives in your mailbox, you'll see the smiling young faces on the cover. You'll also find reasons to smile on the back page as well. It's a reason -- for some of you, perhaps "the" reason -- to visit Hancock this summer. We're the Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture for 2026, and our well-rooted cultural traditions will be on full display during Juhannus weekend. See what we have in store by visiting www.hancockfinnougric.com, then, come and see why we're the heart of Finnish America, why we're the "nesting place" for Finnish America, and why we're the buckle of the "sauna belt."

Folks are traveling from Finland, Estonia and Ireland, among other countries, to be a part of our celebration. We have people planning trips from Florida, Pennsylvania, and beyond to help us share the culture and heritage we hold so dearly.

Don't miss your best chance to immerse yourself in heritage this year -- and on a weekend where the sun barely sets, besides. Will you be joining us? Let us know in the comments!

03/31/2026

Finland is the happiest country for the 9th year in a row! And Finnish stuff makes us happy.

The Finnish American Reporter is happiness delivered to your door!

Stay up to date with stories, deals, offers, news, and more.

Plus, this is our 40th year in operation, which makes us even happier!

Subscribe today, or send a gift subscription, it's only $40 a year for 12 happiness-inducing issues!

It's easy! Visit FinnishAmericanReporter.com.

03/16/2026

It’s another great day to stay at home — and maybe read or re-read a copy of your favorite ethnic newspaper.

Due to adverse weather conditions, and because local authorities are discouraging travel, we will be closed today — March 16, 2026. Stay safe and warm, and we’ll see you soon!

02/20/2026

If you like FAR, you probably like sauna ... and you'd almost certainly like a round-trip ticket to Finland, right?

02/18/2026

It's the perfect day to stay in and read the latest edition ... but not great for getting safely to the office. Due to inclement weather and poor road conditions, our office will be closed today, Wednesday, February 18.

01/19/2026

Please know that we are closed today in honor of MLK Day.

It’s also rather lousy weather today here in Hancock … maybe a good day to stay indoors and read FAR, or start writing an article for us 😀