FITCHBURG — In the spirit of fun, and in celebration of St. Urho, the Finnish Center of Saima Park will host a St. Urho’s Dinner Dance from 4 until 8 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at the center, located at 67 Scott Road.

St. Urho, a fictitious character created by a couple of Finnish Americans inspired by their Irish friends’ St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, was said to have chased the grasshoppers out of Finland saving the wine vineyards from destruction.

From this instance, he became a hero, similar to St. Patrick.

“The funny thing is – St. Urho doesn’t exist and never has,” said Lorna Sulin, board member of the Finnish Center. “He is a story born out of sheer imagination and humor.”

A social hour, with appetizers, will be held beginning at 4 p.m., where adults are welcome to bring their own beverages. Dinner, catered by Family Café, will be served at 5 p.m.

“Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring Italian chicken with rice pilaf and butternut squash, or a vegetarian lasagna,” Sulin added. “Dessert, along with coffee and tea, will also be served.”

After dinner, guests can enjoy dancing to the music of the Central Mass Accordion Club, a trivia game, and the popular St. Urho-themed hat contest.

“Come join us to celebrate St. Urho,” Sulin said. “Enjoy socializing and dining together and have fun dancing and listening to music. Get in the spirit by wearing purple and green. If you’re feeling creative, decorate a hat and you may win a prize. Everyone is welcome, but reservations are required.”

The Finnish Center at Saima Park is a chapter organization of Finlandia Foundation National. For more information about the center, visit Saima-park.org or Facebook Friends of Saima Park.

Tickets for the event are $25 per person. Reservations can be made by e-mailing [email protected] or calling 978-407-9690. The deadline to make reservations is Monday, March 11.