A Prairie Home Companion's Annual Supper and Street Dance

Surely nothing—not a dip in temperature, crisp air, or the reddening of tree leaves—signifies that fall has dawned in Minnesota more than A Prairie Home Companion's annual meatloaf supper and street dance. At this uniquely Midwestern event, corduroy-clad public radio fans usher in the chilly months on Exchange Street between bites of meatloaf and mashed potatoes, steam wafting up into the brisk evening air. Well, that might be a stretch, as the forecast calls for weather in the 60s, but you get the idea. Garrison Keillor, apparently doing fine following a mild stroke a couple of weeks ago, and his troupe of radio players will take to the stage for two hours at the Fitzgerald. But even if you don't have tickets or don't want to wait in the rush line, you can still get close to the action. Bring a lawn chair and get to the theater before the curtain goes up (around 5 p.m.). There, you can listen to the live broadcast from outside. It's free (outdoor tunes start at 7 p.m.), and dinner is served for only $5 at 6 p.m. $32-$48 for the inside show. 4:45 p.m.; street dance is 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 26, 4:45 p.m., 2009