GLENCOE, MN — Pull up a chair, grab a plate, and bring a neighbor.
On Wednesday, October 7, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Erik Osberg — candidate for U.S. Congress in Minnesota's 7th District — is hosting a Fish Fry Townhall at one of the most beloved gathering spots in McLeod County: the Pla-Mor Ballroom in Glencoe. Joining Erik as featured guests are Ben Wieman (MN House 17B) and Julie Kelzer (MN Senate 17).
Good Food. Straight Talk. Your Neighbors.
This isn't a polished political fundraiser — it's a fish fry. The kind of evening rural Minnesota was built on: good food, familiar faces, and honest conversation about the things that actually matter to our families.
Come hear directly from Erik Osberg about his vision for Congressional District 7, and from Ben Wieman about the fight for rural families in House 17B — family farms, fully funded rural schools, affordable healthcare, and making sure our communities aren't forgotten in Washington or St. Paul.
Julie Kelzer, candidate for Minnesota Senate District 17, will also be there — bringing another strong voice for rural Minnesota to the conversation. Together with the full campaign team, they'll be ready to answer questions, swap stories, and make sure everyone leaves with a full plate and a clear picture of what's at stake on November 3.
📋 Event Details
| What | Erik Osberg's Fish Fry Townhall — featuring Ben Wieman (House 17B) & Julie Kelzer (Senate 17) |
| Who | Erik Osberg (US Congress, CD-7) · Ben Wieman (MN House 17B) · Julie Kelzer (MN Senate 17) |
| When | Wednesday, October 7, 2026 · 5:00 – 7:00 PM |
| Where | Pla-Mor Ballroom · 1904 9th St E · Glencoe, MN |
| Cost | Free to attend · Food available for purchase |
| Bring | A neighbor, a friend, or just yourself |
🙋 Ready to Get Involved?
Whether you can knock doors, stake lawn signs, or make phone calls from your kitchen table — there's a role for you on this campaign.
Come as a Neighbor, Leave as Part of the Team
This is a fish fry — not a rally. The whole point is to sit down with your neighbors over a good plate of food and talk about what's actually going on in our communities. What's working. What isn't. What we want for our kids and our towns.
Erik, Ben, and Julie will be there to listen as much as to talk. Ask them anything — about federal farm policy, school funding, healthcare costs, whatever's on your mind. That's what this evening is for.
And if the conversation gets you thinking about doing more? The campaign team will be there too. They can walk you through ways to get involved that actually fit your life:
- 🚶 Door-to-door canvassing — We pair newcomers with experienced volunteers. Scripts, walk lists, and friendly faces provided. No experience needed.
- 📋 Lawn signs — Request a yard sign for your property or help deliver them across the district.
- 📞 Phone calls & postcards — Perfect for folks who prefer to help from the kitchen table on their own schedule.
- 🗳️ Election Day help — Rides to polls, poll greeting, and day-of coordination. We need captains for every precinct.
No pressure. No commitment required. Just show up, eat some fish, and see where the conversation takes you.
"Elections in rural Minnesota aren't won in St. Paul boardrooms — they're won at fish fries, on gravel roads, and on front porches. If you've been thinking about getting involved, October 7 is your night. Come as you are." — Ben Wieman
Why In-Person Events Win Elections
In a district as large and rural as 17B, spanning Sibley, McLeod, and parts of Carver and Renville counties, personal relationships decide elections. National TV ads don't reach our kitchen tables. Corporate PAC mailers end up in the recycling.
What does work? A handshake. A conversation over walleye. A neighbor telling another neighbor why this race matters.
The Fish Fry Townhall is designed to be exactly that — a low-pressure, high-connection evening where undecided voters can meet Ben face-to-face and current supporters can step into volunteer roles that directly shape the outcome on November 3.
🗓️ Mark Your Calendar — Key Dates
| Date | What |
|---|---|
| October 7 | 🐟 Fish Fry Townhall — Pla-Mor Ballroom, Glencoe |
| September 18 | Early voting opens across Minnesota |
| November 3 | 🗳️ Election Day |
Can't Make It? You Can Still Help Right Now
Even if October 7 doesn't work for your schedule, there are immediate ways to make a difference.
- ✅ Sign up to volunteer — we'll match you with the opportunity that fits your life.
- 📋 Request a lawn sign — show your neighbors where you stand.
- 💜 Donate $75 at zero net cost — the state refunds 100% through the PCR program ($150 per couple).
- 📣 Share this article — your personal recommendation is worth more than any ad.
