The Grand Parade 2022

The 2022 Grand Parade was a new experience for me. I have participated in some small-town parades, but I have never had the opportunity for involvement in anything like walking down Beltrami Avenue as a candidate for political office. The beautiful weather, the people lined up shoulder to shoulder down the street, the sounds and visuals from the floats in the parade, and the excitement from the crowd combined in a way that is almost impossible to describe adequately. It was certainly an experience I will never forget.

For that reason, I'd like to thank a few people.

First, I'd like to thank the Bemidji Jaycees for all of their hard work planning, organizing, and hosting the 78th Annual Water Carnival. My wife has been involved with the Jaycees in the past and I have witnessed firsthand just some of the hard work that had to go into organizing an event like this. These are the types of events that make our community special, make our community strong, and bring our community together giving us one shared identity as Bemidji and the surrounding community continues to grow. The value that the Jaycees provide to our community is immeasurable and I want you to know that it is appreciated. In addition, I feel an extra sense of gratitude because this is an event that occurs in my district. It is an event that highlights all of the greatness and potential that my district, and all of Bemidji, has to offer.

Next, I'd like to thank all of the people who came out and watched the Grand Parade. The energy and excitement you brought to this event was absolutely amazing to witness. Every interaction I had with you during the parade was positive and I appreciated it immensely. You represented your community well. I have said from the beginning that it is the people of my district that I care about. You are the reason that I am running this race. I want to ensure that each and every one of you has someone on the County Board who has your back. In that effort, I tried my best to shake hands with and introduce myself to as many of you as I could but if I happened to miss you, I apologize. Hopefully, we will have the chance to meet again in the near future.

Lastly, I'd like to thank my family. My wife and beautiful daughters absolutely stole the show and that is how it should be. My sister in-law drove the float masterfully. My father, father in-law, and brother worked the crowd hard to ensure that nobody who lived in District 2 was missed. My mother in-law helped keep everything running smoothly. The only absentee was my mother who was unable to attend due to a positive covid test. Her presence was missed, but I believe that we will prevail on August 9th and I am excited to introduce her as my secret weapon by the time the County Fair rolls around.

It has been a great honor to have the opportunity to introduce my family and I to this community, and I look forward to the future opportunities to continue to do so.