A US state has immortalised the day Beyonce paid a visit on her hyped Formation tour, by declaring it "Beyonce Day".
In a proclamation endorsed by the State of Minnesota on Monday, Governor Mark Dayton declared May 23 to be known as Beyonce Day.
"Beyonce has influenced many young girls and women with powerful, positive messages in her songs and thousands of Minnesotans will gather at TCF Bank Stadium on Monday May 23, 2016, to hear Beyonce perform," the proclamation read.
"Now, therefore, I, Mark Dayton, Governor of Minnesota do hereby proclaim Monday May 23, 2016, as Beyonce Day in the state of Minnesota.
This is not the first time Beyonce has played in Minnesota (the singer stopped in at Minneapolis on her I am... world tour in 2009). However, it is the first time Beyonce has played in the state since Dayton became governor in 2011, which might explain why Minnesota has never before been treated to a Beyonce Day.
Governor Dayton and Lt. Governor @tinaflintsmith have proclaimed today as @Beyonce Day in MN pic.twitter.com/JNkgkd3M5Z— Governor Mark Dayton (@GovMarkDayton) May 23, 2016
While it is not known exactly how the people of Minnesota celebrated their first (and, admittedly only; the proclamation very specifically states the day only occurs on May 23, 2016) Beyonce Day, the phrase "Happy Bey-day to you" does fit quite well with the traditional birthday tune.
Despite the opportunity for frivolity, some Minnesotans were not thrilled about the statewide celebration.
When Fox News posted the story to their local news Facebook page, Fox 9, Minnesota locals expressed upset that Beyonce (who was born in Texas) had been celebrated and not the recently deceased Prince (who was born in Minnesota and used the state as the location of his recording studios and primary residence until his death).
"Seriously? A Beyonce day? I am appalled and embarrassed," one woman wrote in the Facebook post's comments. "What about Prince? I think of anyone, he deserves a day in Minnesota. He's done more for this state than any other musician."
Other Minnesotans disagreed with Beyonce's politics.
"Is this the same Beyonce that promoted violence against police during the Super Bowl Halftime? Is this the same Beyonce that is being blamed by sheriffs and police departments across the nation for attacks against police stemming from her Formations video?" a man commented. "Governor Dayton, I respectfully call for your to withdraw your proclamation honouring Beyonce like this. It is not in the states best interests [sic]."
"I have never in my life been so embarrassed to be from Minnesota," another commenter added.
It seemed possible that the Bey Day dissenters would receive a moment of redemption, after rain threatened to cancel Beyonce's outdoor concert and caused the Minneapolis stadium to be temporarily evacuated.
However, the skies had cleared by 9.30pm and the show went on as normal.
