There were thirty chairs on the Minnesota State Fair’s International Bazaar stage on Monday morning, one for each new American citizen.
They came from 23 countries, from Brazil to Somalia, with the immigrants from Mexico seeming to get the loudest applause from friends and family attending the naturalization ceremony.
“You are now citizens of the United States!” proclaimed Magistrate Judge Doug L. Micko, after having the group recite an oath of allegiance.
There were smiles and applause all around on the stage, the new citizens applauding and waiving tiny American flags.
Some stuck around a little while longer to get a picture taken alongside Judge Micko, who joked that he could also give the new Americans some tips on state fair food.
This was the first of two naturalizations scheduled for this year’s state fair.
“That oath only means that you no longer swear allegiance to the government of any other country,” Judge Micko said. “The best of your culture and your traditions enrich not only your family, they enrich America.”
Part of the ceremony included singing the "Star Spangled Banner," played on an accordion by Hank Thunander, and reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance to the stars and stripes.
In addition to a certificate and warm wishes from friends and family, the new citizens were given voter registration forms.
With completion of the oath, those 30 people can now file those completed forms and vote in the next upcoming election.
“You will choose those leaders, exercise your right to vote,” said Judge Micko. “That event is the product of our democracy.”
The second naturalization ceremony at the state fair is scheduled for Wednesday.