8 Surefire Signs You Have Strong Roots in Minnesota

I've lived in Minnesota for more than four decades - I came here to go to the U and never left - and I tell ya, if there's anything I've learned in that time, it's that roots in Minnesota grow deep. Whether you bleed purple, peel potatoes for lefse every holiday season, cherish your grandmother's Bundt pan, or know exactly where you'll be during the 10 days leading up to Labor Day, you exhibit all the signs of being a proud Minnesotan. One great way to show your pride is sporting Wear Your Roots brand apparel; read on for some other sure signs that you have deep Minnesota roots.

1. Nothing stands between you and your Target run.

Target was born here in Minnesota - a spinoff of the beloved Dayton's brand - and for many Minnesotans, going to Target is as natural as breathing. And we won't let anything get between us and a Target run.

2. You know "hot dish" does not refer to a plate just out of the dishwasher.

Duh, right? Hot dish is a delicious, savory entree best made with ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, some mixed veggies (got to stay healthy, dontcha know), and the best part: a solid layer of tater tots. You don't put it in the dishwasher until the hot dish is all gone, silly!

3. Any day above zero is potentially shorts weather - and some below-zero days may be, too.

Fashion never dies - even in the depths of winter. And here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, wearing shorts year-round is how some folks show off their Minnesota roots.

Show off yours with some Wear Your Roots!

4. What’s a snow day?

Folks in other states would not believe what it takes to cancel school here in Minnesota - especially in the Twin Cities, where streets are plowed quickly. If it's -25° F. outside, all that means is indoor recess.

5. You always carry an “uff da” - and you’re not afraid to use it.

"Uff da" is an exclamation that can be deployed, when properly inflected, for just about any occasion. The appropriate response, of course, is "Ope!" For example: "Uff da! I just got my boot stuck in some mud." "Ope!"

6. No, we're fine. Thank you.

Oh, nevermind.

7. Sometimes, food just tastes better on stick.

Toward the end of summer, folks from all over the state gather in St. Paul for the Great Minnesota Get Together. Yup, in the 10 days leading up to Labor Day, hundreds of thousands of people will attend the Minnesota State Fair and indulge in the important, time-honored tradition of eating the wackiest food they can find - but only if it's served on a stick.

8. You know Up North is the best place in place in the world to be.

The Land of 10,000 Lakes, The Bold North, the North Shore, The Land of Sky Blue Waters - Up North is all these things and so much more. And in Minnesota, there's no place we'd rather be.

I'm proud to be a Minnesotan, and I'm sure you are, too. What are some other sure signs that folks have roots in Minnesota? Let us know in the comments!

And if you do take a look at Wear Your Roots, be sure to use our coupon code - Minnesota10 - for 10 percent off your purchase!

Want some more reasons to be proud of your North Star State heritage? Take a look at these 22 things that were invented in Minnesota.