According to their website, Menahga, MN is "a hidden gem in central Minnesota that offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and small-town hospitality."
But...for certain members of the animal kingdom, there's a dark, dangerous presence one encounters upon entering the town.
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| St. Urho Statue in front of Menahga Area Museum |
From the plaque beneath the statue:
THE LEGEND OF ST. URHO
ONE OF THE LESSER KNOWN, BUT EXTRAORDINARY LEGENDS OF AGES PAST IS THE LEGEND OF ST. URHO-PATRON SAINT OF THE FINNISH VINEYARD WORKERS.
BEFORE THE LAST GLACIAL PERIOD WILD GRAPES GREW WITH ABUNDANCE IN THE AREA NOW KNOWN AS FINLAND. THE WILD GRAPES WERE THREATENED BY A PLAGUE OF GRASSHOPPERS UNTIL ST. URHO BANISHED THE LOT OF THEM WITH A FEW SELECTED FINNISH WORDS...
"HEINASIRKKA, HEINASIRKKA. MENETAALTA HIITEEN" (TRANSLATED: "GRASSHOPPER, GRASSHOPPER, GO AWAY!")
The town celebrates St. Urho's Day on March 16th every year. It's one festivity we don't plan on attending.
