LRB-5508/1
CMH:cjs
2023 - 2024 LEGISLATURE
January 19, 2024 - Introduced by Representatives Edming, Green and Armstrong,
cosponsored by Senators Quinn and Tomczyk. Referred to Committee on
Rules.
AJR104,1,3
1Relating to: celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the American Birkebeiner and
2proclaiming February 19 to 25, 2024, as American Birkebeiner Week in
3Wisconsin.
AJR104,1,74
Whereas, the American Birkebeiner has grown from humble beginnings in
51973 to the largest cross-country ski race in North America and is currently the only
6race representing the United States of America within the Worldloppet Ski
7Federation; and
AJR104,1,128
Whereas, the American Birkebeiner is a uniquely American tradition that
9brings in over 15,000 cross-country skiers and an estimated 35,000 spectators each
10February to race between Cable and Hayward, Wisconsin, as well as celebrate and
11participate in the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation's annual Birkie Week of
12cross-country skiing festivities, which includes events for all ages and abilities; and
AJR104,1,1413
Whereas, over 360,000 skiers have participated in American Birkebeiner Ski
14Foundation races since 1973; and
AJR104,2,3
1Whereas, Hayward and the surrounding communities will host participants
2from at least 25 countries, 49 states, and the District of Columbia (in 2024) to join
3in Birkie Week festivities; and
AJR104,2,54
Whereas, 2,500 volunteers from all points north, south, east, and west
5volunteer at Birkie Week events in support of the 15,000 competitors; and
AJR104,2,66
Whereas, the American Birkebeiner is celebrating its 50th year in 2024; and
AJR104,2,107
Whereas, the over 100 kilometer American Birkebeiner recreational trail was
8ranked the number one cross-country ski destination in the United States in 2016.
9This recreational corridor is utilized by an estimated 100,000 visitors annually and
10draws tourists to the northwestern Wisconsin region; and
AJR104,2,1211
Whereas, Birkie Week events and year-round users of the Birkie trail
12contribute significantly to the economy in Sawyer and Bayfield Counties; and
AJR104,2,1713
Whereas, the mission of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, a 501 (c) (3)
14nonprofit organization, is to conduct the finest international cross-country ski
15competitions, to serve as good stewards of the American Birkebeiner trail system,
16and to support a healthy and active lifestyle among people of all ages and abilities;
17now, therefore, be it
AJR104,2,22
18Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the legislature, in
19recognition of the importance of the American Birkebeiner and its contribution to the
20state of Wisconsin and its citizens, celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the American
21Birkebeiner and does hereby proclaim February 19 to 25, 2024, to be American
22Birkebeiner Week in Wisconsin; and, be it further
AJR104,2,24
23Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall provide a copy of this resolution
24to the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation.
