There can’t be many of our readers who haven’t heard
of the new tourism phenomenon occurring in Minnesota - Governor Jesse “The
Body” Ventura. Why tourism? Because, even as Jesse has stated, people are
traveling from miles around to Minnesota, if only to see all these people
who would vote for an ex-professional “wrastler” to be governor. In fact,
Linda Nervick, our Advertising Sales Manager, decided that the interest
is so great, the Minnesota Tourism people should call it “Venturism” (or
would that be “Ventourism?”)
 Jesse
“The Mind” Ventura (as he now calls himself) certainly is a phenomenon.
He speaks his mind, says he isn’t beholden to anyone and plans to do what
is right for the people. He is also strongly supporting travel within the
area, which is one of our interests, too. The renewed interest in tourism
within the Midwest is obvious from other quarters. With or without Jesse,
Governor John Engler in Michigan and Governor Tommy Thompson in Wisconsin
are again increasing tourism budgets to keep the home fires burning. And
the province of Ontario leads the pack.
As we’ve been saying for years, the message is to think about travel around
home first. You’d be surprised at the number of “cool” places there are
just down the road and “nifty” things to do, without even having to think
about venturing to the other side of the country. In this issue’s Summer
Planner (see page 57), we meet some folks who decided the only way to see
home is from the seat of a bicycle. Now, that’s where the rubber meets
the road. And winter exploring fun around the lake has coined another new
word: “Adventurism.”
It’s refreshing to see people getting excited again about visiting our
area. And when someone as imposing as Jesse “The Governor” Ventura says
do it, you’re likely to do it. With the weather promising to be as kind
to us this year as last, make your plans thinking towards the lake. If
you’re not from here, you’ll want to come anyway, if only to see the crazy
Venturians, or Venturites, or … whatever. You may come for the Gov, but
you’ll stay for the lake.
Paul L. Hayden
Editor
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The New Tour-isms