BROOKINGS – Michelle Lavallee and Tim Bjorkman will headline the Brookings County Democrats’ annual picnic on Thursday, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Community Life Center at the corner of Sixth Street and Seventh Avenue in Brookings.

Lavallee is running for lieutenant governor on Billie Sutton’s ticket. She is a marketing expert from Sioux Falls who owns her own firm and has worked with former Sen. Tom Daschle and former Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin. She joined the Sutton for Governor campaign in June.  

Bjorkman is a retired circuit judge from Canistota whose goals for the state are to ensure health care to all South Dakotans, repeal the tariffs that hurt farmers and ranchers, and work for citizens with economic development, education and affordable college for all students.

Also on the program will be statewide and local candidates and a brief presentation about Amendment W, which aims to curb corruption and conflict of interest in the state.

The picnic is a potluck, and attendees will be asked to bring a dish to pass. Beverages and table services will be provided. Candidate campaign literature and yard signs will be available. Door prize drawings will end the evening.

Picnickers are asked to bring a non-perishable item for the food pantry.

The picnic is free and open to the public.