BISMARCK – Nearly 53,000 shoppers – a new record – participated in the six Pride of Dakota Harvest and Holiday Showcases this year.
“The Dickinson, Jamestown, Grand Forks, and Fargo showcases all posted record numbers,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “Bismarck was again the largest event with more than 14,850 shoppers.”
The Dickinson showcase, Sept. 6-7, attracted 3,119 people, an increase of 29 percent over the previous year. The Jamestown showcase, Nov. 15-16, drew 2,450 people, an increase of 28 percent over 2018. Attendance at the Grand Forks showcase, held Nov. 1-3, was 10,427, an increase of 30 percent over the previous year. The Fargo showcase, Nov. 22-24, attracted 13,922 people, an increase of 30 percent over 2018.
Goehring said the numbers reflect the continued and growing popularity of the Pride of Dakota program.
“North Dakotans are very supportive of products made, manufactured, processed or produced in the state,” Goehring said. “I encourage people to continue to support our state’s local businesses, not only during showcase season, but year-round.”
Goehring said that many retailers across the state stock Pride of Dakota products. A complete listing may be found at www.prideofdakota.com in the Retailers section.
Administered by 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.