St. Urho’s Day, celebrated on March 16th, is a tradition with roots in Finnish-American communities, particularly prominent in areas like the Upper Midwest of the United States and Northwestern Ontario in Canada. The holiday is a blend of humor, Finnish pride, and folklore.
According to the legend, St. Urho is the fictional patron saint of Finland, invented by Finnish-Americans in the 1950s to celebrate their heritage and create a playful counterpart to St. Patrick’s Day. The story goes that St. Urho, armed with only a pitchfork, drove away grasshoppers from Finland’s vineyards, saving the grape harvest and thus the country’s wine production. This act of heroism is typically symbolized by the wearing of purple and green, colors representing the grapes and grass, respectively.
St. Urho’s Day festivities often include parades, parties, and various cultural events, where people come together to honor Finnish heritage, enjoy food and music, and participate in lighthearted activities. While St. Urho’s Day may not have the widespread recognition of St. Patrick’s Day, it holds a special place in the hearts of Finnish-Americans and others who appreciate its quirky charm and community spirit.
City residents are gearing up to celebrate St. Urho’s Day in traditional style this weekend for the first time since 2019. The Finlandia Cooperative of Thunder Bay is spearheading the Saturday event, featuring the beloved sidewalk parade, a variety show, and Mrs. Urho’s craft market. Due to logistical changes, all activities will take place on one day this year, a departure from the previous format. Unfortunately, the iconic Finlandia Hall, typically a venue for such events, is unavailable following a fire in December 2021.
The festivities commence at noon with a lively sidewalk parade starting at the Bay Credit Union parking lot on Algoma Street South. Participants are encouraged to don purple and green attire, paying homage to the legend of St. Urho, who famously thwarted grasshoppers to safeguard Finland’s grape crop.
The parade route includes a midway point at Bay Village Coffee on Bay Street, providing a convenient meeting spot for families. Following the parade, festivities move to the Provincial Room of the Prince Arthur Hotel, where an afternoon of entertainment awaits, featuring local musicians, singers, and cultural performers. Meanwhile, from noon to 4 p.m., the same venue hosts Mrs. Urho’s craft market, showcasing the talents of local artisans and crafters.
Admission to the event is granted with a $5 St. Urho’s Button, available at various locations including the Thunder Bay Country Market’s Hoito Market Stall, the Finnish Bookstore/Kitchen Nook, Bay Credit Union, and Bay Village Coffee. Children under 10 enter free. Proceeds from button sales contribute towards rental fees and event expenses.
Volunteers are enthusiastic about restoring the community’s opportunity to celebrate St. Urho’s Day with familiar traditions. With everything coming together smoothly, there’s a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation, promising to uplift spirits and create memorable moments for all involved.
