Beloved Birkebeiner Weekend Returns To Downtown Hayward

HAYWARD, Wis. — Hayward is home to one of the biggest ski races in the nation — the American Birkebeiner.  The week-long event welcomes in thousands of participants from at least seven different countries.

And with last year’s race missing out on the Main Street grand finale because of weather, organizers are thankful for this year’s quick turnaround.

“It’s such a unique year. Because we’re back to what isn’t unique. We’re actually down on Main Street again,” said Shawn Connelly, the Marketing and Communications Director for the Birkebeiner Ski Foundation.

“Earlier in February, it was still very much up in the air and in question of whether or not we were going to finish and make the full route from Cable to Hayward. And finish on our main street. You know that’s been helped by several different snowfalls here in the last couple weeks that really did save the day,” remarked Chris Ruckdaschel, Executive Director for Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce.

Unsurprisingly, the lead up to the race heavily boosts businesses in the area. But it’s also a chance to show off what the small town knows best.

“For a small town like this to host the world, it really shows off small town Wisconsin hospitality. You know from our restaurants to our hotels, everybody around here opens up their arms to bringing the world to Wisconsin,” explained Connelly.

And for one of the restaurants ‘Coops Pizza’, they’re no stranger to the energy this race brings.

“Birkie is huge. It’s one of our biggest events of the year. And we look forward to it every year. Everyone working, because it’s fun. It’s fun, it’s a party it’s festive,” said Lora Hills, General Manager at Coops Pizza.

On Wednesday, the ‘Birkie Week’ kicked off with the open race. A chance for skiers to get in a practice round before the real thing.

Even though it’s a soft launch for the Big Birkie, the excitement is still there. For both the participants, and the spectators watching it unfold.

“When you get a half bar scene and a lively crowd together with a lot of skiers I mean, it really creates the most unique and dynamic atmosphere.  I grew up skiing the ‘Barnebirkie’ and that progressed into me winning high school state championships for Hayward High School a couple times and gosh. I’ve been skiing the Birkie ever since,” said Kyle Fredrickson, a Hayward local.

And the Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director said, this event still shocks the new tourists every year.

“When skiers ascend that bridge and look down are ready to descend the other side, there’s literally a throng of thousands of spectators lining main street. Most of which have cowbells, said Ruckdaschel. “Every year, there’s new folks that come to experience the Birkie. Both as participants, and those as spectators that come are usually blown away that ‘Man, something like this happens in a small town in northern Wisconsin.’ And it’s truly our Northwoods super bowl.

And from the sounds of it, the residents of Hayward wouldn’t have it any other way.

It’s here, it’s electric. And if you haven’t had ever had a chance to see it, even if you’re not a skier. If you’re just a Wisconsinite, a Midwestern a Michigander a Minnesotan, anybody needs to come on out here and check it out,” said Connelly.

“It’s really a sight to be had, and gosh, I don’t know a better view!” exclaimed Fredrickson.

The big Birkebeiner race kicks off this Saturday. But in the meantime, the residents and tourists alike will be enjoying the exciting atmosphere.