BISMARCK – The Alerus Center will be transformed into a North Dakota products shopping mall when the Pride of Dakota Holiday Showcase returns to Grand Forks, Friday through Sunday, Nov. 6-8.
“This year’s Holiday Showcase features nearly 100 companies offering unique, North Dakota-made products,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “Shoppers will find thousands of products to choose from, including gourmet food, wine and spirits, books, jewelry, apparel, personal care, pottery, quilting, photography and framed art, children's items and more.”
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 and reusable shopping bags are free and sponsored by the Bank of North Dakota College SAVE Plan. Parking is also free for Pride of Dakota shoppers.
“Shoppers can find something for everyone on their list and support local businesses this holiday season. It’s a proven formula for success for our Pride of Dakota small businesses and our state’s economy,” Goehring said. “I ask everyone to practice personal responsibility when coming out to the shows and be aware of other’s personal space. We encourage you to stay home if you are not feeling well.”
The North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) has been working with the Alerus Center and the city of Grand Forks to mitigate risk. Masks are mandated within buildings and property owned by the city, which includes the Alerus Center. The showcase floor will be set up with one-way shopping traffic with added space between booths. Hand sanitizer stations will be set up throughout the showcase for shoppers’ convenience. The Alerus staff will be wiping down frequently touched areas throughout the showcase and thoroughly cleaning the facility the duration of the event.
Shoppers should enter through the southernmost entrance (entrance 1) to the Alerus Center arena floor. A complete list of participating companies scheduled to be at the Grand Forks Pride of Dakota Holiday Showcase is available at prideofdakota.nd.gov/events/.
The final Pride of Dakota Holiday Showcase of the season is scheduled for Dec. 4-6, in the Bismarck Event Center.
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 550 North Dakota companies are Pride of Dakota members.