THUNDER BAY — For the first time since 2019, city residents will celebrate St. Urho's Day in the traditional fashion this coming weekend.
The Finlandia Cooperative of Thunder Bay is the driving force behind the Saturday event, including the popular sidewalk parade, a variety show and Mrs. Urho's craft market.
"It's all on one day this year ...instead having the market on the next day," said Heleena Stephens, a volunteer with the co-op's events committee.
"Really, it's your one-stop event instead of a couple days. That's probably the biggest change other than the venue. Of course, we aren't able to use the Finlandia Hall for obvious reasons."
The historic hall was destroyed by fire in December 2021.
Celebrations start at 12 noon with a sidewalk parade originating in the parking lot of the Bay Credit Union on Algoma Street South.
Stephens said participants are encouraged to wear purple and green to honour the legend of St. Urho, who's said to have chased the grasshoppers away to save Finland's grape crop.
The parking lot of Bay Village Coffee on Bay Street will serve as the halfway point and a meeting place for families who may wish to leave the parade or join it there before it continues to the Prince Arthur Hotel.
At about 12:30 the hotel's Provincial Room will host an afternoon of entertainment by local musicians, singers, and cultural performers.
The same venue will also be used between noon and 4 p.m. for Mrs. Urho's craft market, where local artisans and crafters will be selling their wares.
A St. Urho's Button costing $5 at the door (free for children under 10) grants admission to the event, and will also be available in advance at the Hoito Market Stall in the Thunder Bay Country Market, the Finnish Bookstore/Kitchen Nook, Bay Credit Union, and Bay Village Coffee.
Proceeds will go toward the room rental fee and other costs.
Stephens said all the volunteers are excited about giving the community a chance to mark St. Urho's Day the way it's been observed in the past.
"Everything is falling into place . . . The vibe is really good. I think this will help boost people's spirits," she said.
