The Month of May

As the spring was turning into summer in the Upper Midwest, Sisu’s schedule was filled with appearances in and around the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St Paul, MN metro area).

Finland and the Upper Midwest share a similar climate with four seasons. In May, nature wakes up after a long winter. Spring flowers bloom, trees get their leaves back, turtles climb on logs to warm in the sun, lawnmowers are hauled out from garages…

May 9, Sisu hung out with the crowd going to a concert at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. Then, on May 10, Sisu headed to Uponor in Apple Valley, MN, one of the Traveling Sauna sponsors.

Uponor manufactures PEX tubing, used in plumbing, and floor heating systems. On May 10, Uponor held a Community Day to announce their $14 million expansion to the facility. Participating in the festivities were management from Uponor Corporate in Finland, Mayor of Apple Valley and members from the Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce. Groundbreaking for the expansion is scheduled for June 6, 2017. Congratulations, Uponor!

Another Traveling Sauna sponsor recently announcing a major investment in the US is Nokian Tyres who in early May released the news of their $360 million investment in a new tire factory and distribution center in Tennessee. Congratulations, Nokian Tyres! Come check out Nokian tires on Sisu on the tour!

Saturday, May 13, Sisu joined FinnSisu and Finnleo at FinnSisu's Spring Sale and Mother's Day celebration. Visitors were greeted with great deals on saunas. Refreshments and cake were available throughout the day. Check out the Traveling Sauna Facebook post for a special, dynamic duo appearance!

Next on the agenda was a trip to Chicago and Cedarburg, WI. For this trip, the Traveling Sauna was happy to host a special guest copilot, Tom Legg. Tom and Chief Sauna Marshal Jouko have known each other for over 25 years. Sisu was in good hands!

The Chicago visit included stops in the suburbs of Wilmette, Barrington and Evanston. While the weather was rather gloomy, the spirits were high and good times were had. Sauna yoga, serenading, all in all, a great week end!

Thank you Anne and Reed Stevens, Katie and Tony Johansson, Chip Covington, and Brett at the American Legion Post 42 for hosting! This song is for you!

Cedarburg, WI is a suburb of Milwaukee, WI. Mikko Hilvo, Manager at the City Parks and Rec, had arranged for Sisu to be at the municipal pool the day before the pool opened for the season.

CBS 58 Morning Reporter Michael Schlezinger insisted on having the first dibs on löyly. Chief Sauna Marshal Jouko gladly obliged. Watch the video clips of the broadcast.

After the TV crew cleared, it was time for the local sauna aficionados to get in. Sisu remained hot until it was time to pack up and head to Washington House Inn for the night.

Washington House Inn is a quaint B & B right on Washington Avenue, and comped a place for the tired crew for the night. If you are in the Cedarburg area, Sisu recommends the friendly Washington House Inn. Great location, wonderful proprietors, good sleep!

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States and is observed on the last Monday in May. Equivalent in the Finnish calendar is Kaatuneiden Muistopäivä which is observed on the third Sunday in May.

To honor the veterans, the Cokato Finnish American Historical Society traditionally arranges a program at the Finnish Pioneer Park, also known as Temperance Corner, over the week end. Sisu was proud to participate in the program in 2017, and to bring along in a segment of Finland's Centennial.

The park includes a 1896 temperance hall, a 1899 one-room schoolhouse, a 1866 log cabin from one of the area's first settlers, and the 1868 Barberg–Selvälä–Salmonson Sauna, which is believed to be the oldest savusauna in the United States.

The Cokato Finnish American Historical Society holds several annual events at the Pioneer Park, including observances of Finnish holidays like Juhannus and Pikkujoulu. Tours of the historical buildings are available by appointment.

If you recall, Sisu’s first trip was to the Barberg–Selvälä–Salmonson Sauna in January. Hello again, vanha lajitoveri!

Contrary to local gossip and innuendo, Sisu did not get pulled over! Yes, the Wright County Sheriff was there in force (two patrol cars) but, for the record, no tickets were issued. Anything about tickets, traffic violations or hand cuffs is fake news!

Sunday, May 28, Finnleo sponsored a Sauna and Swim at Camp Chi Ro on Lake Sylvia in Annandale, MN. The sauna was warm, the lake wasn’t… We need to wait a couple of days yet for the swimming season to start in Minnesota.

June 1 through 10, Sisu will be in northern Minnesota: Finland, Duluth, Embarrass, Virginia, Hibbing, Biwabik, Salolampi Language Village, Menahga, New York Mills, St Anthony Village. You know where to find the calendar. Everybody on-board / in the sauna!

Sisu’s full schedule and up-to-date calendar, please click here.

Finland Centennial Calendar in the US, please click here.

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