2021 Assembly Joint Resolution 108
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: proclaiming February 21 to 27, 2022, as American Birkebeiner Week in Wisconsin.
Whereas, the American Birkebeiner, held each year in Hayward, Wisconsin, is North America's largest cross-country ski race and contributes to the estimated $30 million in silent sports revenue generated in Sawyer and Bayfield Counties each year; and
Whereas, over 13,500 cross-country skiers and an estimated 35,000 spectators gather in Hayward each February to celebrate and participate in the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation's annual Birkie Week of Nordic skiing festivities, which includes events for all ages and abilities; and
Whereas, over 250,000 skiers have participated in American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation races since 1973; and
Whereas, the American Birkebeiner is a uniquely American tradition and the sole cross-country ski race representing the North American continent within the Worldloppet Ski Federation; and
Whereas, the over 100 kilometer American Birkebeiner recreational trail was ranked the number one cross-country ski destination in the United States in 2016. This recreational corridor is utilized by an estimated 100,000 visitors annually and draws tourists to the northwestern Wisconsin region; and
Whereas, Hayward and the surrounding rural communities host participants from 47 states and 17 countries (in 2022) to join in Birkie Week festivities; and
Whereas, 2,500 volunteers from all points north, south, east, and west volunteer at Birkie Week events in support of the 13,500 competitors; and
Whereas, the American Birkebeiner is celebrating its 48th year in 2022; and
Whereas, the mission of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is to conduct the finest international cross-country ski competitions, to serve as good stewards of the American Birkebeiner trail system, and to support a healthy and active lifestyle among people of all ages and abilities; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the
assembly, the senate concurring, That the legislature, in recognition of the importance of the American Birkebeiner and its contribution to the state of Wisconsin and its citizens, does hereby proclaim February 21 to 27, 2022, to be American Birkebeiner Week in Wisconsin; and, be it further
Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall provide a copy of this resolution to the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation.
