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Update from Wadena, MN (7/28/25)

  • knyreen
  • Jul 29
  • 3 min read

surviving the squall


group of people gathered on a patio
Community Fish Fry at Phelps Mill Park in Otter Tail County, MN.

by Erik Osberg on 7/28/25


On Thursday night we hosted a Community Fish Fry at Phelps Mill Park in Otter Tail County, MN. The forecast showed rain around 6pm. But we forged ahead, rain or shine. I kept checking the radar throughout the day. It never improved. But we forged ahead. By 5:30pm the fish fry was well underway. A little over 50 people were there. Most everyone had gotten a plate of fish and the conversations were flowing. At 5:40pm I told folks I would address the crowd soon. A buddy of mine said we had about 5 minutes before wind and rain came. Volunteers scrambled to secure the food service and I started talking around 5:45pm. I was able to share a little about myself, lay out some of the vision for our campaign, and opened the floor to questions. Right about that time, the wind really picked up and heavy rain started to fall. We forged ahead. I was literally on my tippy toes, using as loud a voice as possible to talk over the weather. The questions kept coming, so I kept answering them. We talked our way through the squall. By 6:30pm the winds calmed, and the sun started coming out. The moral of the story is if you can forge ahead, even when chaos and uncertainty are swirling around, you can right the ship. 


One question stuck with me. To paraphrase, “what do I bring to the table?” The best way I can answer this question is by sharing my strengths. 

  1. Positivity

  2. WOO (winning others over)

  3. Adaptability

  4. Empathy

  5. Communication


If you are looking for a positive, persuasive, empathetic communicator who can adapt, good news. I’m your guy. 


We have now made 57 campaign stops since announcing on March 11th, 2025 and we have visited 35 counties. (Only 3 more till we've been to all 38 in Minnesota's 7th Congressional District.)

Got to see the Solems again from the Pennington/Marshall County DFL
Got to see the Solems again from the Pennington/Marshall County DFL

On Sunday, we visited the Marshall County Fair. I was really impressed. I felt there was a nice balance between new & historic. The carnival games/rides looked top notch. There were tons of food booths. And The Woodpicks provided the perfect background sounds (i like bluegrass music) at the Vonasek Free Stage.  Really enjoyed the Settler's Square maintained by the Marshall County Historical Society. A boardwalk and old school storefronts allow you to step back in time. According to their website, the Marshall County Fair just wrapped up their 117th season. Huge thanks to the Pennington/Marshall County DFL for the invite & thanks to those who stopped by to chat. Can't wait to be back up in that neck of the woods.

ree

Here is a look at our upcoming schedule.


Upcoming schedule:

July 28th - Senate District 21 Fundraiser Potluck - Fulda, MN

July 29th - Wadena County Farmers Union - Sebeka, MN


Thank you for all the support & keep up the good work! 

Thanks to our generous donors, we are closing in on $70,000 raised. Our campaign relies on donations from folks like you. If you have already donated, THANK YOU! If you have set up a recurring donation, even better.  If you would like to host a private party fundraiser, click here: https://secure.ngpvan.com/SKQtMANaY0W8nGqHcpukXA2







 
 
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