1.1A Senate resolution
1.2honoring Walt Books for his years of dedication and service to his
1.3community.
1.4WHEREAS, known as the Booya King of South St. Paul, Walt Books has been a resident,
1.5business owner, leader, and supporter of South St. Paul; and
1.6WHEREAS, Walt was a dedicated South St. Paul business owner, running an ever-blooming
1.7business, Langes Florist, creating many prom and homecoming corsages and boutonnieres, as well
1.8as beautiful floral arrangements for weddings, anniversaries, Valentine's Day, and so many other
1.9special occasions; and
1.10WHEREAS, Walt was dedicated beyond his business, reaching out to and working with
1.11other local businesses, even starting a local chamber of commerce to support and promote the work
1.12of area businesses and community organizations; and
1.13WHEREAS, Walt will always be known for his creative and nostalgic ideas for community
1.14events, including the SSP Rodeo, the Annual Tree Lighting on Southview Blvd., and, of course,
1.15the annual booya championships, thus giving South St. Paul the title of World's Booya Capital; and
1.16WHEREAS, Walt mastered the art of making booya, a stew that takes 12 to 14 hours to
1.17prepare that can feed hundreds of people, making eating it a cultural and social event, and founded
1.18the World Champion Booya Contest in 1982 in South St. Paul; and
1.19WHEREAS, the mayor of South St. Paul proclaims Saturday, October 6, 2018, as Walt
1.20Books Day in South St. Paul; and
1.21NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the State of Minnesota that it
1.22honors Walt Books for his years of dedication and service to his community.
1.23BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is directed to prepare an
1.24enrolled copy of this resolution, to be authenticated by the Secretary's signature and that of the
1.25Chair of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, and transmit it to Walt Books.

Cal R. LudemanSecretary of the Senate

Paul E. GazelkaChair, Senate Committee onRules and Administration

Karla BighamState Senator, District 54

Matt KleinState Senator, District 52