IRON MOUNTAIN — Purple and green will be the dominant colors for the Raja Ryhma Finnish American border organization’s annual St. Urho’s Day celebration Saturday, March 19.

The event will begin with a meet and greet from noon to 1 p.m. at the Recreation Lanes Antoine Room in Iron Mountain. The catered meal by Zollner’s follows at 1 p.m. with music provided by Paula D throughout the afternoon.

A Queen of the Vineyard will be crowned and St. Urho will most certainly appear to lead the grand march.

Why do the Finn’s celebrate St. Urho? He’s the mythical hero who according to legend was faced with an enormous flock of grasshoppers that threatened to wipe out the entire grape crop in Finland. With a few select words, “Heinasirkka, heinasirkka, mene taalta hiiten,” this noble hero chased those grasshoppers right out of Finland and thus averted a major vineyard disaster.

In memory of this impressive demonstration of the power of the Finnish language, which translated means, “Grasshopper, grasshopper, go away!” Finns celebrate St. Urho’s Day on March 16. Actually this modern and humorous legend appears to be the Finn’s answer to St. Patrick, who drove the snakes out of Ireland… and it provides a reason to have an enjoyable get-together.

Those wanting more details about St. Urho, can ask any Finn.

The cost for the event is $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger.

Everyone is welcome. For reservations, call 715-528-4744 or 906-774-5378.