MARQUETTE, Mich.—As part of the ongoing exhibit “Stories from the Woods,” the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University is holding a free family day event to celebrate Kalevala Day from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27. The center is located in 105 Cohodas Hall. 

            The “Kalevela” is Finland’s national epic poem, first published in 1835 by Elias Lonrott. It is a compilation of Finnish folk tales that played an important part in forging the Finnish identity in the 19th century, when Finland was still a part of Sweden. 

            The event will feature an afternoon of readings, music, crafts for children and traditional Finnish snacks for the whole family. Members of the cast of the Kalevala: Land of Heroes, performed by the Peninsula Arts Appreciation Council, will do dramatic readings from the book. There will also be musical performances by Finnish musician Tanya Stanaway and children’s music performers Luunappi, featuring Pat Niemisto and Norm Wheeler. 

            For more information, call 227-1219 or email heritage@nmu.edu.