NEGAUNEE — Guess who’s coming to Negaunee? Heikki Lunta! That’s right, it’s that time of year again where it’s cold outside and the snow has been piling up because someone has been playing the Heikki Lunta song way too much.

In honor of this bit of Yooper mythology, we’re pulling out all the stops. So pull out your snow-dancing shoes and head over to downtown Negaunee for this three-day celebration of winter precipitation.

The festival kicks off at 5:45 p.m. Friday, with the opening of the Marquette Winter Games, brought to you by the Meijer State Games.

The Negaunee Downtown Development Authority is proud to partner with Meijer State Games – and we are happy to announce that this will be an annual partnership.

Heikki Lunta’s Irontown Rail Jam – in heart of downtown Negaunee — promises some fast-paced action. The parade of skiers, snowboarders and other athletes will make their way down Iron Street from the Negaunee bandshell to the rail jam venue to light the State Games cauldron at 6:30 on Friday. Cash prizes will be awarded to those athletes who demonstrate outstanding skills. There is a $20 entry free to participate in the Rail Jam.

The festival will also feature a historical downtown walk and talk with Negaunee native and resident historian Mike Illmonen on Saturday. Or, if you prefer to traveling our famous multipurpose trail system, you’re welcome to participate in lantern snowshoe/walking tour of Old Town Negaunee. The events are hosted by the Cliff’s Shaft Mine Museum. Those who would like to participate in either one or both events should gather at the Jim Thomas Pavilion prior to each event. Snowshoes are not required and will not be provided. Afterward, participants can warm up, have a delicious bite to eat or enjoy a drink at one of Negaunee’s outstanding bars and restaurants.

Saturday’s festivities will open with a major fishing tournament on Teal Lake, hosted by the South Shore Fishing Association from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit www.southshorefishing.com for more information about how to participate in the tournament. Parking for the event will be available at the Lake View Elementary School.

Then, from 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Smarty’s Saloon and the Ishpeming Rotary Club are hosting a sledding party at Jackson Mine Park near the bonfire. Families are encouraged to bring sleds, but some will be provided. And the fun doesn’t stop there, at the same time as the bonfire a gourmet s’mores bar will be available — brought to you by the Negaunee Lions Club, Super One Foods, and Embers Credit Union. Don’t forget about the miniature pony rides, brought to you by Park Chiropractic, Hee Haw Farm, and the Old Coot Veterans Association.

Once you finish your sledding and s’mores, head on up to the tunnel of lights to see the Freeze Yer Fanny Fat Bike Race. Several classes of racers will speed through downtown Negaunee into Old Town. The race is brought to you by UPCoss and Love & Bicycles. And, maybe you have what it takes to compete. Visit www.upcross.us for more information or to participate.

Events include:

Friday, Feb. 7

5:45 p.m. – Opening Ceremony begins (Meijer State Games Event)

6:20 p.m. – Cauldron is lit, signifying the start of the Marquette Winter Games

6:30-10 p.m. Irontown Rail Jam (Meijer State Games Event)

5-7 p.m. – Negaunee Eagles: Fish Fry

5-7 p.m. – Negaunee Elks: Open House

(Cudighi Dinner, Pioneer Days fundraiser)

6-9 p.m. – UP Luge Club: Public Sliding

7 p.m. – Negaunee VFW: Open House and Bingo

6-11 p.m. Negaunee Hockey League: Tournament- Negaunee Ice Arena

5-7 p.m. – Fish fry at the Eagles.

6-9 p.m. – U.P. Luge Club activities, public sliding (registration and regular rates apply).

Saturday, Feb. 8

7 a.m.-2 p.m. – South Shore Fishing Association: Teal Lake Fish Derby

8 a.m.-noon- Negaunee Eagles: Breakfast

10 a.m.-2 p.m.- Ishpeming Ski Club: Open House

10-11 a.m. – Negaunee Library: Heikki Lunta Trivia Game

10 a.m.-3 p.m. – Negaunee Senior Center: Finnish Heritage Display & Pasty Luncheon at 11 a.m.

11 a.m.-1 p.m.- Snow Volleyball: Jackson Mine Park (Meijer State Games Event)

Noon to 3 p.m. – Jackson’s Pit Gourmet Grill & Bar: Heikki Lunta Hot Wings Trivia Challenge

9-11 a.m. – UP Luge Club: Luge (Meijer State Games Event

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – UP Luge Club: Public Sliding

1-3 p.m.- Historic Downtown Talk & Walk w/Mike Ilmonen

1-3 p.m. – Negaunee KOC: All School Art Show

3:30 p.m. – UP Luge Club: Almost Sundae Cup

3 p.m. – Family Day: Sledding, Gourmet S’mores, Miniature Horse Rides

3-6 p.m.- Icelophone: Ice Music by Carrie Biolo, present by NextHome Superior Living

5-8 p.m. – Live Music at Heikki’s Warming Tent (Daydreamers 5-8 p.m.)

6-8 p.m. – Snowshoe Lantern Tour of Historic Old Town

7 p.m. Negaunee VFW Open House

9 a.m.-7 p.m. – Negaunee Hockey League: Tournament- Negaunee Ice Arena

8 p.m. – Fireworks, downtown

Sunday, Feb. 9

12:45-3:30 p.m. – UPCross: Freeze Yer Fanny Fatbike Race

1 p.m. – Upper Peninsula Brewing Company: Pasty Eating Contest

9 a.m.-1 p.m. – Negaunee Hockey League: Tournament- Negaunee Ice Arena