September is a special time in North Dakota Posted on 8/27/2009
For more information, contact: Sara Otte Coleman, Director, Tourism Division North Dakota Department of Commerce 701-328-2525
September in North Dakota is a lot like March, only in reverse. It starts out warm and green and comes to and end in a kaleidoscope of colors under cool blue skies. The events of September are as varied as those fall colors. To find more information about these annual events, or for a complete list of activities, go to NDtourism.com or call 800-435-5663 or 701-328-2525
Town Square Farmers' Market Downtown Grand Forks Saturdays
Every Saturday in September, the Town Square fills with vendors selling everything from fresh produce and homemade baked goods to handmade crafts and jewelry. There also will be live entertainment and food concessions. www.tsfarmersmarket.com; 218-779-1382
Family Thursdays at Bonanzaville Bonanzaville, West Fargo Through September 24
Experience prairie life and history with your family every Thursday night through September 24. Educational programs, demonstrations, docents and music at this pioneer village and museum. www.bonanzaville.com; 701-282-2822
Bar-B-Que From the Heart Dickinson Recreational Center, Dickinson September 4-5
The designated state barbecue championship will be held at the Dickinson Recreation Center. Great barbecue, beer garden, pie baking contest and music. www.bbqheart.com/Classes.html; 800-279-7391 or 701-483-9261
Motor Magic NoDak Speedway, North Dakota State Fairgrounds, Minot September 4-7
The largest motorsports event in the Upper Midwest, Motor Magic has Enduro racing, demolition derby, motorcycle poker run, Nodak Speedway racing, drag races and SCCA autocross. Motor enthusiasts can visit the historic military vehicle display, antique snowmobile display and classic car show. www.motormagic.net; 701-857-7620
GardendwellersFARM Produce Party Gardendwellers FARM, Churchs Ferry September 5
This one-day farmers' market and garden event is filled with contests, shopping, demonstrations and fun. Bring the whole family for the ugly vegetable contest and featured artist Sue B. Balcom. www.gardendwellersfarm.com; 701-351-2520
Fort Union Living History Weekend Fort Union National Historic Site, Williston September 5-7
Reenactors portray American Fur Company employees and American Indians of the historic 19th century. First-person living history tours of the fort. www.nps.gov/fous; 701-572-9083
Labor Day Threshing Bee Stump Lake Park, Pekin September 6-7
Activities include demonstrations of pioneer crafts, tours of the village, parade of old engines and a variety of music and entertainment. www.stumplakepark.com; 701-247-2374
United Tribes International Powwow United Tribes Technical College Campus, Bismarck September 10-13
This year marks the 40th year of the annual International Powwow. This celebration showcases "champion" dancers and drums from across the United States and Canada, competing for top honors. Soweto Street Beat, representing the Zulu Kingdom of South Africa, also will participate. www.unitedtribespowwow.com/; 701-255-3285, ext. 1239 911
Memorial Event International Peace Garden, Dunseith September 11
"Freedom Walk" in remembrance of "911" continues our tradition to reflect on the lives lost on September 11, 2001; renew our commitment to freedom and the values of the United States and Canada; and to honor our veterans, past and present. www.peacegarden.com; 888-432-6733 or 701-263-4390
NDRA State Championship Finals Rodeo McKenzie County Fairgrounds, Watford City September 11-12
A "must-see" for rodeo fans, as the top 12 contestants in North Dakota compete to earn the honor of NDRA Champion in nine rodeo events. 701-444-2804
Hazen Harvest Fest Citywide, Hazen September 11-13
Events include quilt show, car show, motorcycle rally, turkey barbecue, Front Fenders dance, parade, toilet bowl races, children's games and more. www.hazennd.org; 888-464-2936 or 701-748-6848
Britney Spears ‘Circus' Alerus Center, Grand Forks September 12
Pop icon Britney Spears brings her "Circus" tour to Grand Forks. www.aleruscenter.com; 701-792-1420
Enderlin Sunfest Citywide, Enderlin September 13-20
Opening concert with 'Monroe Crossing' bluegrass band in the Enderlin Auditorium, 5-K and 10-K runs, recipe contests, games, tractor pull, arts and crafts in the park. www.ransomcountynd.com
Big Iron Farm Show Red River Valley Fairgrounds, West Fargo September 15-17
The Big Iron Farm Show connects more than 800 agricultural exhibitors and 70,000 attendees, all coming together for one purpose — to advance agriculture. www.bigironfarmshow.com; 800-456-6408 or 701-282-2200
These are just a few of North Dakota activities and events taking place in early September. For more information, go to NDtourism.com or phone 701-328-2525 or 800-435-5663.
North Dakota received two legendary designations in 2008 – most affordable (AAA) and friendliest (Cambridge University).
