Finland News: March 18

Talk about it

Steve Wattman, Bob Nikolai, and Don Warner attended the annual National Rural Electric Cooperative Association event in Orlando, Fla., held from Sunday through Wednesday.

*****

Josh and Julie Arnold motored up for the weekend to take in the St. Urho’s festivities. Julie was busy around town on Saturday as she is the face painter each year.

The 36th annual St. Urho’s celebration is now in the history books of history. Friday night brought out large crowds for the Miss Helmi contest. This year’s winner was Danny Blackman from Wolf Ridge. Danny is from England and as Honor Schauland commented, last year’s winner was Matti Erpestad from the country of Finland – it is some kind of European invasion.

The Finland Historical Society held their annual pancake breakfast Saturday morning at Zion Lutheran Church.

The morning did not look promising, but we were fortunate there was no wind and just snow flurries for the parade. St. Urho must have put in a good word for us. Thank you to the Honor Guard from Two Harbors Legion for again leading the parade.

The grand marshall was none other than Carol Youngberg who has been the parade organizer for many years, stepping down after last year. Thank Carol and Elwood for all the hard work you did over the years for this celebration. Food business along the route did well. Finland Fire and Rescue and all the other vendors would like to say a big thank you for supporting them.

The Clair Nelson Intermodal Transportation Community Center was very busy with area crafters and refreshments. The Zion Lutheran Church women were busy serving up delicious assortments of pies.

A dedication of the new hall was held at 2 p.m. with standing room only. This was a great tribute to Clair. There were many different speakers from the township, Lake County commissioners, and family member Jan (Nelson) Harling.

It was also announced that the Clair Nelson Scholarship Program is now being turned over to the Friends of the Finland Community to oversee for the future years to come. Music followed with an Old Time Polka Band. There was also good music at all the local establishments throughout the weekend. A very special thank you goes out to Adams Automotive for offering a driving service Friday and Saturday night to keep all safe.

A huge thank you goes out to Honor Schauland taking charge of this celebration and all her hard workers. Thanks also goes out Cheryl Bischoff for taking over the big job of putting the parade together.

Tags: finland, finland news, community