The Finlandia Cooperative of Thunder Bay is hosting the Annual St. Urho’s Celebration on Saturday, March 14, 2026. 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, Jimmy Wiggins Drag Storytime and Mrs Urho’s Tori (Marketplace) at a NEW LOCATION: Goods n Co Market.

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 14th - 10:30am to 4:00pm

10:30am: Jimmy Wiggins Drag Storytime
Bring the family to enjoy a seasonal story from local drag performer and a family-friendly breakfast special at the Hoito’s newest location: Goods n Co Market. The Storytime will take place at the Loud Women Collective, in Goods n Co.

Starting at 12:00pm: Urho’s Sidewalk Parade
Wear Purple & Green and show your support for St. Urho! Follow the skewered grasshopper to the Goods n Co Market!
Meet in the Bay Credit Union parking lot, for a march down Bay Street to Court Street, and then straight down to the Goods n Co Market. 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 Goods n Co Market, so plan your travel back to your vehicle accordingly. For a shorter walk for those with little legs, we can suggest leaving your vehicle along Court Street and joining the parade as we pass by!

Starting at approximately 12:30pm: St. Urho’s Variety Show
Join us in the Goods n Co main market alley 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, Goldie Frocks ‘one woman show’, Matti & Mikko and more!

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), Hoito Restaurant (Goods n Co), Finnish Bookstore/Kitchen Nook, and Bay Credit Union.
Co-Operative Members can pick up their button at the Hoito Locations in advance.

11:00am 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.

12:30pm to 3:30pm: Muumin Playroom
All are welcome to Loud Women Collective, for our Muumin-inspired children’s activity area: colouring & crafts; fun games, green & purple props and photo wall.