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Inga & The Warriors 50th Birkebeiner Trio
April 9 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Please join the Superior Lobe Chapter of the Ice Age Trail on Tuesday, April 9 at 5:30 pm to hear the Craig Hokanson, Todd Sandman, and Kirsten Sandman (all who proudly call Cumberland their home and Timberland Hills Ski their second home) tell us all about their unique experience reenacting the Norwegian legend of skiing Prince Haakon to safety during the Norwegian civil war at the 50th anniversary of the American Birkebeiner.
Location: Cedarside Room in the Student Center at the UW- EC/Barron County Campus, 1800 College Drive, Rice Lake.
The legacy of the 50th American Birkebeiner is deeply rooted in Norwegian History when in 1206 Norway, amid civil war, the historic trio rescued baby Prince Haakon, the future king of Norway, and skied him to safety. Each year, a group of three skiers is selected to reenact the historic flight of Inga, Prince Haakon’s mother, and the Birkebeiner warriors, Torstein and Skjervald, and to act as goodwill ambassadors throughout Birkie week. True to history, Todd and Kirsten Sandman made the journey on Norwegian made wooden skis and in full-period costume.
The Timberland Hills trio is deeply connected to the Birkie mission of trail stewardship and promoting an active lifestyle for all. Todd Sandman, a former hockey player turned cross-country skier, has completed an impressive 20 Birkie races, while his wife, Kirsten, is an avid cross-country skier, road biker, and marathon runner. Craig Hokanson, a member of the Cumberland Area Ski Touring Association, has transitioned from a novice skier to a seasoned participant in multiple Birkie events.
Sue Greenway
Superior Lobe Chapter Coordinator
612-723-0354