Former Governor Mark Dayton Shares Memoir: Perseverance

Zenith Bookstore presents former Minnesota Governor and Senator Mark Dayton at this event in the St. Louis County Depot Great Hall. Dayton will be joined by his friend and former senior advisor John Ongaro.

The evening begins with cocktails (including non-alcoholic) and conversation at 6 p.m.. All proceeds will go to the North Shore Scenic Railroad. At 7 p.m. Mark and John will discuss Mark’s new memoir, Perseverance (MN Historical Society Press). They will talk about being a Dayton’s Department Store heir, his senate and governorship and other parts of his life. Mark will take questions from the audience. Afterwards, he’ll personally autograph his memoir for guests. This is a free event brought to you by Zenith and The Depot. Drinks and Mark’s book will be available for purchase. You may also pre-order Perseverance on the website or at the bookstore.

Mark Dayton served two terms as the fortieth governor of Minnesota, from 2011 to 2019. His other elected offices include state auditor and US senator. Dayton lives in Scottsdale, Arizona.

John Ongaro worked with Mark Dayton on his U.S. Senate Campaign and was the 8th Congressional District Coordinator. He has served as the Director of Intergovernmental Relations for St. Louis County for nearly 40 years and retired from the county in 2024. He is currently the Director of the Northern Counties Coalition. He lives in Duluth, Minnesota.