Alright girls, so we might not have carried you home after the wedding like they do in the movies, but here’s your second chance!
Every year, there is an event held in Sonkajarvi, Finland, in which men race to the end of a 253.5 meter official track while carrying a woman (she doesn’t have to be your wife) through two dry obstacles, and one 3m deep water obstacle. You can carry your “wife” any way you please: piggyback, fireman (over your shoulder), or Estonian-style (the wife hangs upside down with her legs around the husband’s shoulders and her hands around his waist).
The sport got its origin only about 15 years ago, though it is said to be based on a joke reminiscent of the past, in which men courted women by running to their village, picking them up, and carrying them away.
Today, the sport is practiced worldwide, with a notable competition right here in Marquette, Michigan! There is a North American Championship held in Maine, after which the winning couple goes to Finland to compete in the world championship.
This year’s champion won a plasma T.V. and his weight in beer. Who’s signing up with me??
On Friday, December 11, Mangoes in the metro Detroit area gathered to celebrate the holidays. It was a great evening at Buddy’s in Farmington Hills, MI. The highlight of the evening was the white elephant gift exchange. Many tremendous gifts were presented, such as “Don Lepre’s 11 Steps to Success” VHS, an onion, and a Groucho Marx glass kit, just to name a few. All in all it was a great time to celebrate the end of 2009 and to look forward to 2010!
