[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 106 (Friday, July 1, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1015]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          GARRISON KEILLOR'S FINAL ``PRAIRIE HOME'' BROADCAST

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 1, 2016

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the news from St. 
Paul, Minnesota, my hometown.
  Garrison Keillor, one of our great storytellers in Minnesota and the 
nation, will be hosting ``A Prairie Home Companion'' for the final time 
this Saturday.
  As one of the most iconic shows on public radio, ``Prairie Home'' was 
created by Mr. Keillor more than 40 years ago. Its characters and tales 
sprung from his imagination, and from his wry observation of the 
comedies and tragedies of everyday life in the Midwest.
  This will be his last official appearance on stage hosting musical 
guests, sharing the stories of Guy Noir and the Lives of the Cowboys, 
and bringing us ``the news from Lake Wobegon, where all the women are 
strong, all the men are good looking, and all the children are above 
average''.
  Mr. Keillor created a space where families could gather around and 
``hear that old piano from down the Avenue'', not to mention some of 
America's most talented folk and gospel musicians.
  His serial skits are as much beloved for their witty wordplay as the 
campy characters.
  The gentle satire in his weekly monologues allowed us to laugh at 
ourselves and see America's flaws and wisdom echoed back to us in the 
stories of that small town on the edge of the prairie.
  To many in St. Paul, however, Mr. Keillor isn't just the soothing 
voice that poured out from our radios every Saturday night. He's a 
treasured member of our community and my neighbor.

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