St. Urho’s Celebrates 50 Years of Grasshoppers and Grapes!!!

On March 14, 15 & 16, people flocked to Fin­land, MN to help celebrate the Golden Anniver­sary of St. Urho. Since 1975, St. Urhos has been an annual celebration in this little, unincorpo­rated town. For 50 years, people have gathered at the end of the winter season to celebrate and partake in the festivities. It is a great way to min­gle and get outside to enjoy the beginning of the warmer weather. For many, it is a much-needed break from cabin fever after a long winter.

So what is St. Urhos, and why is it celebrat­ed? St. Urho is a fictional saint created by Finn­ish-Americans in Northern Minnesota in the 1950s as a playful way to celebrate their heri­tage. The legend of St. Urho tells a story about the Finnish vineyards being overrun by grass­hoppers. A very tall man named Urho used his booming voice and his trident to scare them off. He bellowed, “Heinäsirkka, heinäsirkka, mene täältä hiiteen!”(“Grasshopper, grasshopper, go away!”). The grasshoppers fled, and Finland’s wine was saved. Urho was then named a saint for his efforts. During the festivities, people wear green and purple to celebrate the fleeing of the grasshoppers, while grapes and grasshop­pers decorate the local streets and businesses. A Mojakka lunch is served because St. Urho ate that as a main staple. Mojakka is a beef stew made with root vegetables and spices. Tradi­tionally, Mojakka is a fish soup originating from the region of Kalajoki, Finland. In the original form, Mojakka is made from whitefish or Baltic Herring, butter salt, whitewash, and onions.

In 1975, Minnesota Governor Wendell An­derson issued a proclamation recognizing St. Urho’s Day, solidifying the state’s unofficial status as the home of the fictional Finnish saint, celebrated annually in March. To this day, Fin­land, MN, and various other communities in MN celebrate St. Urho’s Day.

A statue was erected on State Hwy. 1 in Fin­land, MN of St. Urho. Below the carving, a plaque reads, “St. Urho: He chased away the Grasshoppers that were eating the Grapes to be used for the Wine.” The statue was carved from a single tree by local artist Don Osborn in 1982.

Finland has been rich with tradition and her­itage since the late 1890s when people first be­gan settling in the area. Throughout the years, decades, and centuries, the people of Finland have made an effort to keep their heritage and traditions alive. St. Urho’s being one of them. Throughout the year, Finland has various events that are deep in tradition, like the Tori Festival, put on by the Finland Historical Society, the Finland Fire Department’s Wooden Bat Tour­nament, and the Harvest Booya Festival. There are many local families whose great-grandpar­ents, grandparents, and parents were involved in these activities. Now, their children are adults with kids and continue to carry on the traditions of their ancestors. St. Urhos is much more than just an event. It’s a commemoration of all who have worked so hard in the past, a celebration of their ancestors, and to honor all who have par­ticipated over the years to make this possible. Finland is a strong-knit community that helps each other out. Living in a small, rural town can be challenging at times, especially with the winters and the devastating flood they had in 2024. When challenges arise, the people of Fin­land and Isabella lend a helping hand. That is truly one of the things that has made this com­munity so beloved.

This year’s St. Urho’s 50th celebration was filled with food, music, dancing, crafts, and a parade. This year’s theme was 50 years of grasshoppers and grapes. The weekend kicked off with the Miss Helmi competition on Friday evening. It is an entertaining and quirky event where participating men dress up, impersonat­ing a female to win the title of “Miss Helmi” and become St. Urho’s girl. The contestants joke around, perform funny dances, and com­pete in a beauty/talent contest. The Miss Hel­mi competition has been held since 1984. Once Miss Helmi has been crowned, there is music for all to dance to and celebrate. Congratula­tions to Tom Campbell – Miss Helmi 2025!

The next morning, a pancake breakfast was served at the community center for everyone to fill their bellies before the parade. A tug-of-war was held on the bridge over the West Branch of the Baptism River. Many join in for bragging rights and try to claim victory. The Tug of War was won by the north side of the bridge both times. They were very close, intense matches each time. After the battle on the bridge, the parade started on the other end of town. Peo­ple gathered from all over to attend the annual parade. Many floats donned decor to commem­orate the 50-year anniversary. The Hooterville Float won best in show this year. Their partic­ipation in the parade has been an ongoing tra­dition and a crowd favorite every year. Many other floats were memorable; Northshore Fed­eral Credit Union had a huge cake decorated to celebrate the anniversary, and the Green Door’s mascot, a Beaver, passed out beers, which was also a big hit for the adults lining the highway. Many locals have memories of attending when they were kids and now bring their children to carry on the tradition. Candy, treats, and beads were passed out along the parade route to smil­ing faces and happy children. Diane Helander – Finland MN Historical Society Float won Most Original Float, Heather Sve – Hopper Stopper Taksi won Most Traditional Float, and Hooter­ville took Best in Show.

The Finland Coop offered free festive cup­cakes, and parade-goers enjoyed food grilled by the Finland Fire Department throughout the day.

After the parade, there were various activi­ties to join in on. The community center offered lunch, games, and vendors offering their wares for sale. Four Seasons Bar and Restaurant had an outdoor, heated tent with music, drinks, and food all weekend long. Several people men­tioned how much they enjoyed the Bloody Marys on Saturday. Our Place and Wildhurst also had food, drinks, and music off and on throughout the weekend. On Saturday evening, to celebrate the 50-year anniversary, there was a fireworks show. Onlookers commented how amazing it was and that they really enjoyed it. Saturday evening, due to the brisk drop in tem­perature and the high winds, the Urhos party moved inside the newly renovated Four Seasons Restaurant and Bar. People listened, laughed, and enjoyed the music by South Paws. On Sun­day, many gathered one last time at Our Place in hopes of winning door prizes, raffles, and the yearbook game. Passport game prizes went to Phil Brayley, Sarah Gagner, and Liz Wilde. The parade winners were also announced and given trophies crafted by Pat Ramsdell, shaped like the St. Urho statue.

Raffle prizes winners were: 1st prize $650 – James Edstrom of Eveleth, MN – ticket sold by Kayla & Jordan Schaefer , 2nd prize $350 – Jim Zupancich of Babbitt, MN – ticket sold by Four Seasons , 3rd prize $250 – Adam Kofstad of Silver Bay, MN – ticket sold by Adam’s Au­tomotive, and 4th prize $150 – Sue Butler Rian of Finland, MN – ticket sold by the Trestle Inn.

This event wouldn’t be possible without all the hard work and dedication of the St. Urho’s Committee. Be sure to join the St. Urhos Cele­bration next year in March and dress in green & purple. You won’t be disappointed.