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2023 - 2024 LEGISLATURE
2023 ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTIO N 104
January 19, 2024 - Introduced by Representatives EDMING, GREEN and ARMSTRONG,
cosponsored by Senators QUINN and TOMCZYK. Referred to Committee on
Rules.
***AUTHORS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***
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
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2023 - 2024 Legislature
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.
(END)
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