THUNDER BAY – The Finlandia Association of Thunder Bay is inviting everyone to come and enjoy their annual three-day celebration.
The Finlandia Association of Thunder Bay is celebrating the Annual St. Urho’s Celebration over three days this year: Friday, March 17, Saturday, March 18 and Sunday, March 19, 2017. Finns and non-Finns of all ages can enjoy the day long festivities centered in and around the Finlanda Hall above the Hoito at 314 Bay Street.
The legend of St. Urho originated in the northern Michigan 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).
Friday March 17
7:00pm
Conga Se Menne Concert – Northern Michigan Finnish Reggae Band. Conga Se Menne are a group of guys who just like to Sauna, drink a beer, or maybe two! They are a very crowd-pleasing band who keep the dance floor hopping all night long.
Tickets $25.00 in advance or $ 30.00 at the Door
Saturday March 18
12:00pm – 3:30pm
Annual St. Urho’s Parade & Variety Show
Meet in front of the Hoito for the annual Parade around Bay Street! Wear Purple & Green and show your support for Urho! Follow the skewered grasshopper into the hall for an afternoon of entertainment by Local Musicians, Cultural Performers, Finnish Orchestra, local Dance Groups and Singers.
Entry $ 5.00 Urho’s Button
7:00pm
Put on your dancing shoes and learn some dances from the Kikuriit Finnish Folk Dancers. Get your ‘humpa’, waltz or tango on before the Pelimanni Dance at 8:00pm.
8:00pm
St.Urho’s Dance with Pelimanni Orchestra: traditional dances, popular favourites all with the full orchestra backing! Guest singers during the evening to entertain you if you prefer to sit and watch the dancing. Cash bar.
Entry $ 10.00
Sunday March 19
12:00pm – 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.
Free Entry
