BISMARCK, N.D. – More than 38,000 shoppers – a new record – participated in the four Pride of Dakota Holiday Showcases in November and December 2015.
“The Fargo, Grand Forks and Minot Showcases all posted record numbers,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “Bismarck was again the largest event with more than 12,200 shoppers.”
Goehring said the numbers reflect the continued and growing popularity of the Pride of Dakota program with both shoppers and members.
“North Dakotans look forward to the annual Holiday Showcases, knowing they will find unique, high quality products while supporting our state’s small businesses,” he said. “At the same time, Pride of Dakota member companies know the showcases draw people who are specifically looking for locally-made products.”
The Fargo Showcase, Nov. 20-22, attracted 11,815 people, over 800 more than the previous record. Attendance at the Minot Showcase, held Nov. 14-15, was 6,899, compared to 6,592 in 2014. The Grand Forks Showcase, Nov. 7-8, drew 7,059 customers.
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Many shoppers took advantage of the half-price admission offer by bringing their own reusable shopping bags. As a measure of appreciation for service men and women, all active and retired members of the armed forces and their families also paid half-price admission.
Mike Laddusaw and Marlene Kolling each won $250 in Pride of Dakota bucks in the Pride of Dakota passport drawing; Jason Mertz and Janice Pratt each won Pride of Dakota gift boxes. The North Dakota Wheat Commission sponsored the passport program.
Administered by North Dakota Department of Agriculture Marketing and Information Division, 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 Holiday Showcases and Harvest 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. More information is available at www.prideofdakota.com .
