More than 125 companies selling Pride of Dakota merchandise will take up all available space at the Fargo Scheels Arena during Pride of Dakota Holiday Showcase, Friday through Sunday, Nov. 17-19.
“Holiday shoppers can choose from an outstanding selection of North Dakota-made gourmet food, wine, art, books, jewelry, apparel, children and pet items, and more,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring.
Showcase hours are 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday. Admission is $2 per adult.
“Shoppers will get a free reusable bag with their paid admission,” Goehring said. “These bags can be used for other holiday shopping, trips to the grocery store and more.”
The bag giveaway is sponsored by the Bank of North Dakota, Great River Energy, Common Ground and the North Dakota Corn Growers Association.
Shoppers who bring their own reusable bag get $1 off their admission.
Goehring said paid admission also includes a Pride of Dakota Passport.
“Take your Passport to each of the Passport Stations in the Scheels Arena,” he said. “A volunteer at each station will stamp your passport which you can enter in a drawing for $250 in Pride of Dakota bucks. This prize money can be spent at the Showcase, online or directly through a Pride of Dakota member company.”
The drawing will be held at 1 p.m., Sunday. Participants need not be present to win. The Passport prize is sponsored by the North Dakota Wheat Commission. A second drawing – for a Pride of Dakota gift basket valued at $100 – will be held at 4 p.m.
Goehring said as a measure of appreciation for service men and women, all active and retired members of the armed forces and their families save $1 on admission with military identification.
Additionally, retailers can also receive $1 off their admission by presenting their sales tax license at the door. The Showcase offers the opportunity for retailers to try products from North Dakota small businesses and establish wholesale orders.
A Pride of Dakota Holiday Showcase is also scheduled for Dec. 1-3, in the Bismarck Event Center.
Administered by the Marketing and Information Division of the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, the Pride of Dakota program provides member companies with cooperative marketing and promotional events, such as in-store demonstrations, Pride of Dakota Day and the Harvest and Holiday Showcases. The program also provides educational opportunities and representation at regional, national and international marketing expositions. More than 500 North Dakota companies are Pride of Dakota members.
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