Dear John,

Folks, this is a big week for Minnesota: the opening week of the Great Minnesota Get-Together! There’s nothing quite like the Minnesota State Fair – the food, the fun and the community of folks coming together to celebrate our state.  
  
The State Fair isn’t just fun and games, it's a boom for Minnesota’s economy. Small businesses from all over – from food vendors to independent artists – have the chance to reach millions of Minnesotans. And what better way to support our state than to support the small businesses that make our economy thrive?  
  
In addition, it’s a great chance for Minnesota’s ag community to come together. As the top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee, I always enjoy seeing all of the family farmers and producers who come to the fair. Whether they’re after the best-in-show ribbon for their livestock, bringing new produce for the public to taste or even trying their hand at crop art – it's a chance for Minnesota farmers to gather, educate and showcase all their hard work.  
  
Above all, my favorite thing about the State Fair is seeing Minnesotans come together in one place. In such divided political times, it can be easy to forget the things we have in common. It’s called the “Great Minnesota Get-Together” for a reason. It’s a chance for us to gather and have fun. And most of all, it’s about our shared values: kindness, hard work and being good neighbors to one another.  
  
I hope you all have as much fun at the fair as I did today! And don’t forget – it goes through Labor Day! 

Until next time,
 

Angie Craig

Member of Congress