THUNDER BAY -- Fearless members of the Finnish community joined together on Saturday for the annual courageous battle against the evil grasshopper.
Hundreds gathered at the Finlandia Club over the noon hour for the 34th St. Urho's Day parade and celebration,
Finnish-Americans started telling the tale of St. Urho in the 1950s in response to St. Patrick's Day. According to the admittedly made-up legend, St. Urho chased away grasshoppers from the grape crops chanting, "grasshoper, grasshoper, go from hence to hell."
Adam Nousiainem was awarded with the responsibility of representing St. Urho during this year's parade. Nousiainem said he's been attending the parade for a number of years but this was his first time serving as the heroic St. Urho.
"It's just a complete honour to be chosen for St. Urho this year," said Nousiainem.
"With the size of my belly and the blue eyes, it worked out perfectly."
Nousiainem led the parade of triumphant marchers as they snaked through the Bay street area chanting in Finnish with the dreaded grasshopper draped around a pole.
"It's something for us to celebrate. St. Urho Day brings everyone in as one and it's just a nice experience to have something to cheer for," Nousiainem said.
The parade was followed by an afternoon of live musical performances at the Finlandia Hall. The St. Urho's Night Dance will run from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m..this evening.
