Illustration by VisitFinland.com
When it comes to wacky events, it's hard to beat Finland. Just look at some of them:
Wife-carrying. Staged at Sonkajärvi in eastern Finland since 1992, this event is believed to date from the 19th century. If local legend is to be believed, a well-known villain Herkko Ronkainen used to swing his favorite girl on his shoulders, an act that will be duplicated by couples competing in the World Championships on July 3-4.
Mobile-phone throwing. In the homeland of Nokia, what could be more Finnish than this one? The next World Championships will be held on Aug. 22 in Punkaharju, eastern Finland. During the throw, the competitor must stay within the area allocated. The phone must land within the marked throwing sector. Organizers say that that “there will be no doping tests. However the jury can rule out the contestant if his/her mental or physical preparedness is not adequate for full a performance.”
Sauna bathing contest. The 11th Sauna World Championships will be held at Heinola on Aug. 7-8. Rules state: “Competitors have to sit in the sauna with buttocks and thighs on the seat. Posture must be erect; elbows must stay on the knees and arms have to be in an upright position. "
Air guitar playing. Masters of the make-believe gather each year at the Club Teatria in Oulu in northern Finland. There are training camps, lectures and demonstrations as well as a competition. The get-together will be Aug. 19-21.
Swamp football. A patch of muddy ground, two teams and a football are the requirements for this one, and 2009 sees the 12th anniversary of the World Championships at Hyrynsalmi in northeastern Finland on July 17 - 18. If you lose your boots in the mud, that's toughbecause you can’t pause to change or replace them.
Other unusual events and pursuits: mosquito swatting (Lapland is prime country), milking stool throwing (farms up and down Finland), table drumming (bars and restaurants), sitting on an ant’s nest (in any forest you choose), team berry picking (Suomussalmi, eastern Finland) and a kick-sledding competition (Ylläs, Lapland).
For more about Finland and it's strange events, go to www.visitfinland.com.
Calling all sophisticated ladies (some of them, anyway)The JW Marriott Denver at Cherry Creek wouldn't think of calling this package something like Girls' Night Out. Instead, it's the Sophisticated Celebration: Ladies Night Out package. Included are a night's accommodations, a $50 spa gift card, a complimentary drink or appetizer, European-style chocolates and breakfast. The rate is $140 per person, a savings of 25 percent over regular pricing. That's for double occupancy; single occupancy is $225 per night.
Click here or call 303-316-2700 and mention promo code GGK. For hotel info, visit www.jwmarriottdenver.com.
Who'd have thought it?
There is a Hooters restaurant in Buenos Aires.
Warming up for July 4 at St. Pete Beach
The TradeWinds resorts in St. Pete Beach, Fla., is offering a Red, White & Boom package July 2-7, beginning at $528 at the Island Grand and the Sandpiper Suites. The package includes three nights' accommodations, a Stars & Stripes party and buffet for two on Saturday, July 4, and many resort amenities.
Visit www.JustLetGo.com or call 866-587-8538.
Travel tip
You know those unopened little soaps and shampoos that are yours to bring home from your hotel room? Why not give them to a homeless shelter or other organization; many can really use them. (With thanks to Debbie Collins, a guide for Paragon Tours.)
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