The ceremony was opened by Kummelit, a local comedy crew. The multi-talented athlete Timo Silakka amused the spectators by saying that he intends to run all the legs of the soon to start Jukola Relay by himself.
– “I haven’t practised at all, but I did work at the local map laminating company.”
Hakovirta & co musical group played folk music and the Himpulat group of Kangasalan Kansantanssijat gave a folk dance performance.
Chair Juhani Sihvonen of Kaukametsäläiset Association handed the Jukola Relay Message to Competition Manager Harri Virta of Kangasala Jukola.
– “This is an important tradition at Jukola. The contents of the message will be revealed on Sunday morning, when the members of the winning team will read the message to the spectators,” Sihvonen said.
The ceremony ended with the presentation of awards to the top 25 Venla Relay teams.
Text: Tiina Keino
Photos: Ilpo Kuparinen