February 5, 2025 - Introduced by Senator Quinn, cosponsored by Representative Green. Referred to Committee on Senate Organization.
SJR5,1,3
1Relating to: celebrating the 51st anniversary of the American Birkebeiner and
2proclaiming February 17 to 23, 2025, as American Birkebeiner Week in
3Wisconsin. SJR5,1,74Whereas, the American Birkebeiner has grown from humble beginnings in 51973 to the largest cross-country ski race in North America and is currently the 6only race representing the United States of America within the Worldloppet Ski 7Federation; and SJR5,1,128Whereas, the American Birkebeiner is a uniquely American tradition that 9brings in over 12,000 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 SJR5,1,1413Whereas, over 360,000 skiers have participated in American Birkebeiner Ski 14Foundation races since 1973; and SJR5,2,3
1Whereas, Hayward and the surrounding communities will host participants 2from at least 25 countries, 49 states, and the District of Columbia (in 2025) to join in 3Birkie Week festivities; and SJR5,2,54Whereas, 2,500 volunteers from all points north, south, east, and west 5volunteer at Birkie Week events in support of the 15,000 competitors; and SJR5,2,66Whereas, the American Birkebeiner is celebrating its 51st year in 2025; and SJR5,2,107Whereas, 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 SJR5,2,1211Whereas, Birkie Week events and year-round users of the Birkie Trail 12contribute significantly to the economy in Sawyer and Bayfield Counties; and SJR5,2,1713Whereas, the mission of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, a 501 (c) 14(3) nonprofit 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 SJR5,2,2218Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the legislature, in 19recognition of the importance of the American Birkebeiner and its contribution to 20the state of Wisconsin and its citizens, celebrates the 51st anniversary of the 21American Birkebeiner and does hereby proclaim February 17 to 23, 2025, to be 22American Birkebeiner Week in Wisconsin; and, be it further SJR5,3,2
1Resolved, That the senate chief clerk shall provide a copy of this resolution to 2the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation.
