The Finlandia Cooperative of Thunder Bay is hosting the Annual St. Urho’s Celebration on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Finns and non-Finns of all ages can enjoy the return of the St Urho’s Day Sidewalk Parade, the afternoon Variety Show, Muumin Playroom, and Mrs Urho’s Tori (Marketplace), returning to the Prince Arthur Hotel.

The legend of St. Urho originated in Virginia, Minnesota as a cheeky response to St. Patrick’s Day. St. Urho is famous for chasing the grasshoppers away from Finland’s vineyards and saving the country’s grape crops. During the parade, listen for the chant, “Heinäsirkka, heinäsirkka, mene täältä hiiteen” (“Grasshopper, grasshopper, go away from here).St Urho’s Day has been celebrated in Thunder Bay since 1983.

Saturday March 15th – 12pm to 4pm

Starting at 12:00pm: Urho’s Sidewalk Parade

Wear Purple & Green and show your support for St. Urho! Follow the skewered grasshopper to the Prince Arthur Hotel!

Meet in the Bay Credit Union parking lot, for a march down Bay Street to Bay Village Coffee, and then down Water & Cumberland street to the Prince Arthur Hotel. The whole march is approximately 15 minutes. Dress accordingly for the weather – it has been known to be windy!

* PRIZES For Best Parade Sign and Best Costume (wear Purple & Green!)

Parking:
We suggest carpooling when possible.

Please note that the parade starts at Bay Credit and ends at the Prince Arthur Hotel, so plan your travel back to your vehicle accordingly. For a shorter walk for those with little legs, we can suggest leaving your vehicle at Bay Village Coffee, join the parade on Bay & Algoma, and drive to the Hotel from the halfway mark.

Starting at approximately 12:30pm: St. Urho’s Variety Show

Join us in the Prince Arthur Hotel Provincial Room for an afternoon of entertainment by local musicians and singers, cultural performers and the Finnish orchestra. The variety show kicks off when the traditional marching in of the Grasshopper by our Pelimanni Finnish Orchestra. While you’re there, enjoy some classic food for sale (hernekeitto and nakki) from the Hoito Restaurant. Performers include: Pelimanni, Kiikurit Finnish Folk Dancers, Comedian Iso Ruotsalainen, Sexy Sassy Seniors. Celtic Dancers, Goldie Frocks ‘one woman show’, Upsteela Band, and Matti & Mikko.

Family Friendly Event

Entry $ 5.00 St Urho’s Button (free for children 5 and under)

Buttons sold at the door OR in advance at the Hoito Market Stall (Country Market), Finnish Bookstore/Kitchen Nook, Bay Credit Union, and Bay Village Coffee.

Co-Operative Members can pick up their button at the Hoito Market Stall in advance (please no on-site member pick ups, as it is typically very busy at our button table!)

12:00pm to 4:00pm: Mrs. Urho’s Craft Market

Local artisans & crafters show off and sell their wares at this Spring Craft Sale! Come and check out the spring season fashions, jewelry, arts & crafts from all of your local favourites. Inside the Prince Arthur Provincial Room (during the Variety Show) and Salon E (Muumin Playroom).

12:30pm to 3:30pm: Muumin Playroom
All are welcome to Salon E, for our Muumin-inspired children’s activity room: colouring & crafts; green & purple props and photo wall; cricket station: dare to try different flavours of dried crickets; and a Story Time with local Drag King.

2:30pm: Story Time
Story Time with Thunder Bay Drag King Seren Tonin, as they read stories while fostering acceptance and appreciation of diversity. Salon E, the Children’s Activity Room.