What are the foods, sights, activities and rituals that make Minnesota what it is? Who knows better than the people who call Minnesota home? Introducing Minnessentials, an occasional series that plunges into the culture of our state with the help of Star Tribune readers.

We'll explore homegrown traditions, from meat raffles to lutefisk. But we need your input. With each installment, we'll ask for your suggestions on an upcoming topic. Then we'll use your submissions to help us tell a quintessential Minnesota story.

Next: The Friday fish fry. Have a favorite? Tell us at minnessentials@startribune.com or tweet at reporter @SharynJackson.