While I've lived in Rochester for nearly 8 years now, there's still one little quirk I've noticed that seems common here in southeast Minnesota.

It's how we always add an extra 'the' at the beginning of names of various places here in the Med City. For instance, you might hear someone say, "John has an appointment Thursday at THE Mayo Clinic."

But what's up with extra 'the' in front of Mayo Clinic? Shouldn't it just be, "John has an appointment Thursday at Mayo Clinic."?

I also hear it in reference to other places around Rochester, too. Like this: "Little Big Town's 'Painkiller' Tour played a date at THE Mayo Civic Center."  Again, shouldn't it just be, "Little Big Town's 'Painkiller' Tour played a date at Mayo Civic Center"?

What's with the extra 'the', Rochester?

We seem to have this affliction cured when it comes to venues in the Twin Cities, though. You probably wouldn't say, "I can't wait to see Kenny Chesney next May at THE U.S. Bank Stadium..." And you also wouldn't say, "It's going to be exciting to see the Twins win the World Series at THE Target Field!"

Rochesterites are not entirely guilty of always adding an extra 'the', though. I don't hear too many people say, "I'm going to go shopping at THE Target!" (Unless, of course, you're referring to a particular location, then the 'the' is needed: "It's the Target off Highway-63 near the Shops on Maine.")

It's certainly not a big deal, but have you noticed this too? (Perhaps all this means is that THE Curt St. John needs a hobby...)

Listen to Curt St. John from 6 to 10 a.m. on Quick Country 96.5
and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on 103.9 The Doc

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