NEGAUNEE — Most people dread the winter and wait for the day the snow melts, but up in the U.P. the snow is a cause for celebration.

The Annual Heikki Lunta festival kicks off Friday in Downtown Negaunee. A celebration of Finnish Heritage and the winter season, it’s bound to be an entertaining couple of days.

“Good old Finnish fun, I think Finns are known for being a little quirky with their air guitar championships and their world sauna championships, so we’re just kind of playing on the playful spirit of the Finns.”

There will be a ton of activities, including live music, luging, and a pancake breakfast.

“Whether you want to hang outside with us, or go inside and warm up, there are a lot of activities both indoors and out and it should be a good family–fun weekend.

The festival kicks off Friday evening, with the Kippis Lunta Cheers to Snow Parade down Iron Street.