That is St. Urho with the pitchfork.
He kilt all the grasshoppers and the grapes were saved!
Today is the day that Finlanders all over Minnesota celebrate Saint Urho's battle with the pesky grasshoppers that threatened the grape crop. He chased the grasshoppers waving a pitchfork hollering "Heinasirkka, heinasirkka, menetaalta hiiten"...Grasshopper, grasshopper get the hell out of here.
Chance kept one eye on this dog for a long time…until he disappeared down the street.
The King and Queen waved and all was well, candy was tossed into the streets.
The nytes and the ladies of St. Urho are always fun to photograph! Just incase you are wondering the colors of the day are green and purple…the color of grapes.
Where can you wander around town in your underwear and a cape and be greeted with a smile…well in Menahga Minnesota of course every year on the 16th of March.
The parade lasted about seven minutes this year!
Looks like a fun day to me.
ReplyDeleteLooks and sounds like a really fun day ! Wonderful photos . Thanks for sharing ! Have a good day !
ReplyDeleteAh those crazy Finlanders. Did I ever mention I went on a drunken (not on my part) opening day out with some teachers years ago and we, I mean they, sobered up at a sauna in Menahga. It was very relaxing. Do they still jump in a hole in the ice afterwards? :)
ReplyDeleteI was going to ask where all the snow went, but then I went back and noticed the piles of it behind the police car. ;)
ReplyDeleteThat last photo looks like an outfit John would dream up!!!
ReplyDeleteParades are always fun and this one is especially colorful.
I love this post that you do every year! The good news it is also a tradition that is closer to spring than winter. It's a fun time for people to get outside and celebrate community. Even though grasshoppers are one of God's creatures, they freak me out - - especially when they land on me with their sticky legs. I do a crazy woman dance at that point.
ReplyDeleteI'm waiting for the year that you are a part of the parade:) Nice to see the old traditions continued.
ReplyDeleteYou guys have more fun! I love those types of festivals. Never knew about that grasshopper killer either but glad he saved the grapes!
ReplyDeleteThose small town festivals are the best. Did they throw candy? Did you score any Snickers?
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a really fun day. You people know how to have fun.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful fun!!!
ReplyDeleteI don't blame Chance for keeping an eye on that dog. It was a little creepy looking.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun day, though!
Hope you all have a wonderful week!
I have never heard of that! It sure looks like fun though!
ReplyDeleteGrapes? In Finland???
ReplyDeleteOkay, ya made me look. Google Translate didn't speak Finnish too well, though...
That is most likely the most unique parade I've seen in well a year...on your blog. Love it. Hurry spring.
ReplyDeleteJen
You are up late!
ReplyDeleteOh, dose wild and crazy Finlanders! Dey sure know how to party.
ReplyDeleteNot better than a kilt grasshopper!
ReplyDeleteNo grapes = no wine
ReplyDeleteYeah for St. Urho!
I know I've been through Menahga, but I can't remember which town in northern Minnesota I was in that had the statue of St. Urho? Was that in Menahga?
ReplyDeleteWhat a hoot!! :)