Finns parody the Irish this weekend in Menahga.
According to Finnish folklore, St. Urho chased grasshoppers out of ancient Finland, thus saving the grape crop and jobs of Finnish vineyard workers. His feast is celebrated by wearing the colors royal purple and Nile green.
St. Urho Days festivities kick off Friday, March 15 at the Menahga High School gym with the crowning of the St. Urho King and Queen, along with the medallion winner presentation.
Following opening ceremonies, Steve Sokela presents his 23-piece, one-man band show. Often seen on a skateboard, unicycle or stilts, Sokela travels the country. Tickets are $5 per person.
A pancake breakfast will be served from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 12 at the Menahga Senior Community Center.
A community craft and garage sale will be held at the Menahga High School commons area/gym from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 16.
The infamous “changing of the guards” by the “Nytes of St. Urho” takes place at noon Saturday at the St. Urho statue.
The grand parade begins at 12:20 p.m.
The Menahga Civic & Commerce Association sponsors St. Urho Days. For more information, go to
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Saint Urho has been recognized with proclamations in all 50 states. Minnesota Governor Wendell Anderson issued a proclamation in his state, the unofficial home of Saint Urho, in 1975.
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