BISMARCK – North Dakota businesses will transform the state Capitol into a shopping mall for locally made and grown products, Thursday, Sept. 5, during the fall Farmers and Artisans Market.
“This is a showcase for North Dakota growers and makers, giving Capitol visitors and state employees an opportunity to see the range of products made and grown right here in our state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “The owners and employees of nearly 50 Pride of Dakota businesses and nearly 20 producers will be selling, sampling and talking about their products.”
Indoor artisans market booths will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Capitol’s Memorial Hall, Legislative Hall and west end ground floor. Outdoor farmers market booths will be open from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. near the steps on the south side of the state Capitol.
“The artisans market this year features Pride of Dakota companies with a wide range of products, including home décor, foods and condiments, apparel, personal care items, books and more,” said Goehring. “The farmers market is a great place to meet the growers and stock up on seasonal produce.”
The Pride of Dakota program, administered by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, 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. For more information about Pride of Dakota, visit www.prideofdakota.nd.gov.
The North Dakota Department of Agriculture supports farmers markets, food co-ops, community-supported agriculture (CSAs), community orchards, roadside stands and pick-your-own gardens in the state. Most of these are listed on the Local Foods Directory Map, created by NDDA and available at https://www.nd.gov/ndda/local-foods-directory-map.