2023 Assembly Joint Resolution 104
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the American Birkebeiner and proclaiming February 19 to 25, 2024, as American Birkebeiner Week in Wisconsin.
Whereas, the American Birkebeiner has grown from humble beginnings in 1973 to the largest cross-country ski race in North America and is currently the only race representing the United States of America within the Worldloppet Ski Federation; and
Whereas, the American Birkebeiner is a uniquely American tradition that brings in over 15,000 cross-country skiers and an estimated 35,000 spectators each February to race between Cable and Hayward, Wisconsin, as well as celebrate and participate in the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation's annual Birkie Week of cross-country skiing festivities, which includes events for all ages and abilities; and
Whereas, over 360,000 skiers have participated in American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation races since 1973; and
Whereas, Hayward and the surrounding communities will host participants from at least 25 countries, 49 states, and the District of Columbia (in 2024) 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 15,000 competitors; and
Whereas, the American Birkebeiner is celebrating its 50th year in 2024; 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, Birkie Week events and year-round users of the Birkie trail contribute significantly to the economy in Sawyer and Bayfield Counties; 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, celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the American Birkebeiner and does hereby proclaim February 19 to 25, 2024, 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.
