2020 HYGGE HIKE

NICER-Northern Iron County Engaged Residents, Extension Iron County, Hurley Area Chamber and community volunteers organized the 2nd annual Hygge [Hoo-ga] Hike on Saturday, February 29, 2020.

60 community members attended the free community snowshoe hike, which raised awareness to the great snowshoe and ski trails that the City of Montreal has to offer. It also served as a fundraiser for the Penokee Rangers, who maintain the trail system on a volunteer basis.

The afternoon included a 1.5 mile casual snowshoe hike through a portion of the Historic Montreal Ski Trails. Participants were asked to park at the Montreal City Hall where they were shuttled to the trail head behind Rose Wreath.

The Hurley Chamber and Extension office planned a fun trail activity that required participants to take photos near historical markers that detail the history of the Montreal mining days and included a quiz. Two gift cards were raffled off to participants who returned completed forms at the trail head. Extension Iron County’s community snowshoes were available to use for free and hot beverages were also available at the trail head during the hike.

In addition to the community snowshoe hike, the afternoon included a chili cook off. Ten individuals signed on to share their culinary creations for the chance to take home swag, earn bragging rights and house the coveted 2020 HYGGE CUP! For just $10, community members had the chance to taste and judge the original chili recipes.

The chili winners include, Maleah Cummings-Best Traditional, Deanna Wicklund-Most Original, Rebecca Holm-Overall Winner, and Ken Saari-Spiciest. Each winner received a prize and the overall was awarded the coveted Hygge Cup.

The event raised over $1000 between the chili cook off and donations that were received during the snowshoe walk. Thank you to everyone who contributed.

Also, thank you to everyone who made this event possible: Extension Iron County , Hurley Chamber, NICER members and community volunteers, The City of Montreal, Iron County ADRC, Charlie Zinsmaster, Duane "Red Rod" Gulan, William Thomas, chili cooks: Chandra Moreno-Gogebic County Cultivation Creations, Deanna Wicklund, Joyce Gayan, Kari Klemme, Kathleen Walesewicz, Ken Saari, Lauri Kutz, Maleah Kutz, Paul Bruneau, Rebecca Holm.

We are already looking forward to the next Hygge Hike!