If you’ve been yearning for a winter wonderland and a generous sprinkling of snow, then you’re not the only one. The radio station Sunny 101.9 FM up in the U.P. is going all out to try and coax the snow to fall.

What began as a quirky notion back in 1970 has now blossomed into a cherished tradition. The “Heikki Lunta Snow Dance Song” was conceived when a snowmobile race in Atlantic Mine was in dire need of a hefty dose of snow. Crafted by a radio presenter named David Riutta, the tune has now become a staple on Sunny 101.9 FM during their “Mark and Walt in the Morning” show. The hosts are banking on the infectious melody to beckon the snow that everyone is pining for.

It’s a rather comical tale – Riutta, armed with his trusty guitar, strolled into the studio and conjured up the eccentric character of Heikki Lunta, paired with a whimsical song. And believe it or not, it did the trick! Now, more than five decades later, the song is making a comeback on the airwaves, all in the hopes of summoning the snow.

According to co-host Walt Lindala, the song was dreamt up as a cheeky nod to the name of the singer, Hank Snow. Who would have thought that a playful prank would transform into a snow-inducing tradition?

Mark Evans, the other half of the hosting duo, pointed out that the absence of snow hasn’t just put a damper on snow enthusiasts, but it’s also impacting local businesses. With fewer snowmobiles in hotel parking lots and a decline in foot traffic at restaurants and bars, the winter season just isn’t what it should be.

But the hosts of “Mark and Walt in the Morning” are determined to alter that. By playing the “Heikki Lunta Snow Dance Song” every morning, they’re aiming to revive the energy and excitement that accompanies winter pursuits. Evans fervently urges everyone listening to join in on the merriment when the song kicks in – because who knows, perhaps this outlandish idea will actually work!

If you’re intrigued to catch the song, you’ll have to tune in sporadically between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. on weekday mornings. But don’t fret, the hosts have promised to retire the song once it fulfills its purpose and brings about the wintry weather everyone is hankering for.

So, if you’re itching for a snow day like no other, don’t forget to belt out the song and keep your fingers crossed for the feathery flakes to begin descending. After all, who can resist a classic snow day?