Hi... Some state connections for next week/year's celebration.
There was a sketch on Sesame Street for the number 8, where Grover and a famous pool player are at a prestigious tournament, Gordon as the commentator. Grover's just standing there as an assistant. When the pool player misses due to Grover's questioning, it's the blue monster's turn. All that's left is sink the 8-ball and he wins. The pool player leaves in a huff after losing to his cute furry helper, prompting Grover to ask why they called him "Minnesota Shorts". There's a funny visual gag, but I wouldn't know what it is.
Also, in the season premiere for Season 39, Telly will be parodying the most recent Indiana Jones movie, seeking the Golden Triangle of Destiny. Along the way he meets Wyoming Walt, Virginia Virginia, and Minnesota Mel who himself was looking for the same artifact as Texas Telly.
Hope this helps.