Garrison Keillor Kicks Off Final Season On 'Prairie Home'

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO/AP) -- It's the beginning of the end as Garrison Keillor kicked off his last season of "A Prairie Home Companion" Saturday night.

Right after his broadcast, Keillor moved the party outside in front of the Fitzgerald Theater for the show's annual Street Dance & Meatloaf Supper.

Fans participated in a dance contest and Kowalski's provided the $5 meatloaf supper.

The long-running show is broadcast around the country on National Public Radio. It has a weekly audience of nearly 4 million listeners.

Keillor is coming off a 30-city farewell bus tour.

Keillor said he tapped musician Chris Thile of the bands Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek to succeed him full time as host in September 2016, following guest-hosting spots. He said Thile — a mandolin whiz — will help return "Prairie Home" to its roots as a music show.

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