FINLAND, MN — For five decades, the arrival of March in the Northwoods has signaled more than just the slow thaw of winter; it marks the return of a legendary hero brandishing a pitchfork. Since 1975, the community of Finland, Minnesota, has gathered to celebrate St. Urho’s Day, a whimsical tradition that unites local heritage with a heavy dose of small-town humor.
This year’s festivities promise to be more colorful than ever as the community adopts a “Wonderland” theme. Residents and visitors alike are being encouraged to blend the traditional purple and green colors of the holiday with surreal, imaginative costumes for a weekend-long celebration starting this Friday, March 13.
The Legend of the Giant Grasshoppers
While many saints are born of ancient scripture, St. Urho was born of Finnish-American imagination in the 1950s. As the legend goes, Urho saved Finland’s ancient vineyards from a plague of giant grasshoppers by bellowing the now-famous command: “Heinäsirkka, heinäsirkka, mene täältä hiiteen!” (Grasshopper, grasshopper, go away!).
Today, Urho is a permanent fixture of the town, immortalized in a massive wooden statue on Highway 1 carved by artist Don Osborn in 1982. This weekend, that statue will serve as the gateway to a flurry of intergenerational activities.
A Weekend of “Quirky” Traditions
The celebration kicks off Friday evening with the Miss Helmi competition, a staple of the event since 1984. This “beauty” pageant features local men in comedic drag, performing dances and talent routines to win the title of St. Urho’s girl.
The momentum carries into Saturday morning with a pancake breakfast at the Clair Nelson Center, serving as a fundraiser for the Finland Historical Society. At high noon, the action shifts to the bridge over the West Branch Baptism River for the annual tug-of-war, immediately followed by the main event: the St. Urho’s Parade.
“The parade is a true community effort,” organizers noted, highlighting a recent float workshop where residents of all ages gathered to paint signs and create papier-mâché decorations for the official “Friends of Finland” float. This year, spectators can expect candy, treats, and beads to fly from the passing displays during the parade.
Local Flavors and Live Music
Food is at the heart of the weekend. The Finland Fire Department will be grilling throughout Saturday, while the Finland Co-op will offer free festive cupcakes to shoppers. For those seeking traditional fare, a Mojakka (Finnish soup) lunch will be served at the community center following the parade.
Entertainment will be plentiful, with live music scheduled across town. On Saturday night, local favorites The Northwoods Band will take the stage in a heated outdoor tent at the Four Seasons Bar and Restaurant, playing a mix of hits for the dancing crowd. Other local establishments, including Our Place and Wildhurst, will also host food and drink specials throughout the weekend.
Supporting the Future
The festivities conclude Sunday, March 15th, at Our Place, where winners of the parade trophies, raffles, and the “Passport Game” will be announced.
Those looking to support future celebrations can participate in the St. Urho’s Online Auction, which is currently live and features items donated by local businesses. The auction closes Sunday at 7:00 PM.
For a full schedule of events, residents can consult the “St. Urho’s Celebration in Finland, MN” Facebook page or their advertisement in the Northshore Journal on pages 2 and 3.
If you would like to volunteer or help out with next year’s activities, stop in the Clair Nelson Center or contact Friends of Finland at (218) 353-0300 or email them at operations@friendsoffinland.org. If you would like to donate to the St. Urho’s Celebration, you can also contact Friends of Finland.
