Book Event: Mark Dayton’s 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 and conversation at 6 p.m. All proceeds go to the North Shore Scenic Railroad.

At 7 p.m. Dayton and Ongardo will discuss Dayton’s new memoir, Perseverance. They will talk about being a Dayton’s Department Store heir, his senate and governorship and other parts of his life. Dayton will take questions from the audience. Afterward, he’ll autograph his memoir for guests. This is a free event presented by Zenith Bookstore and The Depot. Drinks and Dayton’s book are available for purchase at the event and can be pre-ordered at the bookstore or on its website.

Dayton served two terms as the 40th governor of Minnesota from 2011 to 2019. His other elected offices include state auditor and U.S. senator. He lives in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Ongaro worked with Dayton on his U.S. Senate campaign and was the Eighth Congressional District coordinator. He served as director of intergovernmental relations for St. Louis County for nearly 40 years, retiring in 2024. He is currently director of the Northern Counties Coalition. He lives in Duluth.