Preparations Underway for Annual Birkebeiner

Thousands of skiers are ready to hit the trails for the annual American Birkebeiner in Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin.

There’s only around 1,800 people combined that live in the two communities but for Birkie weekend, the towns not only swell with people but with pride.

Business is popping at Hayward Main Street Gourmet Popcorn and all around Hayward in preparation for the 43rd annual American Birkebeiner. Officials say it’s hard to measure how much the Birkie skis in as far as revenue and more. 

“The impact is quite far reaching. We feel it has impacts throughout the year as well with folks that maybe discover Hayward as a result of coming for the Birkie. They come back during the summer and other times the winter,” said Chris Ruckdaschel, Executive Director of the Hayward Chamber of Commerce.

Nearly 40,000 skiers and fans invade the communities of just under 2,000 but they’re ready. “Often times they come up no knowing what to expect. We often joke we do have running water and power here,” said American Birkebeiner Executive Director Ben Popp.

Many describe the atmosphere downtown near the finish line as electric. Downtown businesses see a spike once the Birkie comes to town.

“That is our single most busiest weekend of the entire year. It falls late in February which most of this area is Memorial Day through Labor Day,” said Brian Fuller, owner of Anglers Bar and Grill.

What started with only thirty-five skiers in 1973 now brings participants from around the world.

As kernels pop, so does every member of this community for the most famous fifty-five kilometers in North America.

“Amazingly the town is. I sometimes wonder how we’re able to do it,” said  Ruckdaschel.