North Dakota

Frostival started in Fargo as a two-day winter festival celebrating the “cool” of winter during the quietest time of the year.

Over the years, the spearheading committee decided to expand the festival into a six-week festival to help encourage placemaking and to bring the residents and visitors outside for some fun.

Going into last winter, with many North Dakota waters lower than they’d been in some time thanks to severe drought, N.D. Game and Fish Department (NDGF) fisheries managers worried that declining water levels and other factors would lead to significant winterkill.
Turns out, it wasn’t nearly as bad as anticipated.

The holidays bring smiles, bright lights, full hearts and ... a mountain-biking Santa? This season, North Dakota is hosting events both classic and unique as an ugly Christmas sweater. Here are a few worth checking out.

John Anderson dearly loved rocks, judging by his lifetime of work with them. It wouldn’t be surprising if his mother had to empty his childhood pants pockets of stones before she washed his clothes, nor is it surprising he chose a career in stone masonry.

But the true test of his partiality exists yet today in the creative and beautiful work he performed with rocks – mere fieldstones – erecting exquisite functional edifices, making Rugby – and all of North Dakota – the richer for it.
 

North Dakota has one of the largest Native American populations in the country. This makes tribal heritage something to celebrate year-round, and especially during National Native American Heritage Month every November.

5-4-3-2-1. Pam Emmil didn’t count on a pain medication prescription plummeting her into addiction. But those five numbers helped count her steps back to sobriety. And to a thriving, therapeutic business.

Wrapped around Emmil’s wrists are the bracelets that not only helped her overcome her addiction, but which are now part of her business, 5 Second Rule Bracelet.

She now shares her personal journey of opioid addiction – and recovery – through her business, as she sells bracelets and other jewelry with a message.

Cottonwood Cider House is rooted in family – both blood relatives and the family that exists only in rural America.

For Stacy Nelson-Heising and her husband, Dan Heising, the fourth-generation farmstead provides for their family. It also provides a place for the community to gather and connect.

Art can bring life to so many things. It can brighten an alleyway, bring excitement to a road trip and inspire your creativity. October is Arts and Humanities Month, making it the perfect time to celebrate all forms of art in communities large and small.

Local creators, such as Badman Design in Grand Forks, create beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces, using mixed metals and terracotta clay. Choose from custom jewelry to accent your wardrobe, or home décor and sculptures to accent your home or business.

Visitors to the 42nd annual Big Iron Farm Show presented by the Cass County Farm Bureau will immerse themselves in three days of hands-on agricultural advancements. The three-day celebration of agriculture includes informational exhibit booths, innovative field demonstrations and opportunities to see the latest in agriculture unveiled. And admission and parking are free!