From Rep. Ron Shimanski
R-Silver Lake, District 18A

We are well into our summer events. Some communities have already had celebrations and festivities such as the Hutchinson Water Carnival, Glencoe Days and Prairie Days as well as June Dairy Month activities. I try to meet as many people as I can at these events.

With the pain we’re experiencing at the gas pump, many people are reconsidering how far they travel. Fortunately we can enjoy numerous summertime activities without leaving our state.

In addition to all the local festivals, more than 500 events are scheduled throughout the state as we celebrate Minnesota’s Sesquicentennial. More than 90 events were scheduled all across the state in June alone.

Official Sesquicentennial events commemorate the history of Minnesota and encourage citizens to start planning for the next 50 years.

For example, this year’s Buffalo Days and Prairie History at Blue Mounds State Park in southwestern Minnesota will have special programs for Minnesota's 150th anniversary. Participants can learn firsthand about life on the prairie and even get a free buffalo burger. In fact, there are 150 new programs at Minnesota's state parks this year in honor of the Sesquicentennial.

You can view a complete list of Sesquicentennial events by logging on to www.mn.150years.org. This site provides details on all of the festivities and the full list really is impressive when you see all there is to do.

All of these events are ways for Minnesotans to fulfill the Minnesota Sesquicentennial Pledge, which reads:

“During the Sesquicentennial year, I will endeavor to learn from the state's past, reflect on lessons from both its successes and failings and get engaged in planning for Minnesota’s future well-being.”

Hope you enjoy the summer!