Wife Carrying Contest

Sunday, June 22nd, 2025

Registrations will be open in late May 2025

https://scandinavianmidsummerfestival.com/wife-carrying-contest/

Be the fastest team to complete the course and win the Wife’s* weight in beer!

In the olden days, in small town Finland, there was no social networking or internet dating – if a man wanted a woman from a neighbouring village he had to go and take her! This show of worthiness and determination – together with rumours and hearsay – evolved into the Wife Carrying Contest, where a “husband” carries a “wife” through an obstacle course for a prize.

*Note that husband and wife are labels used in this contest to identify the role that each team member plays. “Husband” does the carrying and “Wife” is the one being carried – regardless of actual marital status or gender. Please see the rules for more details.