Arts, crafts, ghosts and goblins abound in North Dakota during October Posted on 9/30/2009
For more information, contact: Sara Otte Coleman, Director, Tourism Division North Dakota Department of Commerce 701-328-2525
Was that a gourd or a ghost? Is that work of art hanging in a gallery or a haunted mansion? Was its eye's following me? Take time to feed you deepest fears or soothe your spirit through arts and crafts this October. 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
Fabric and Fiber Festival Nazarene Church, Ellendale October 3-4
A weekend of "Quilt Journey Stories." Among the topic: Recounting Journeys through Textiles, If These Quilts Could Talk, and Quilting and its Importance to the Indians on the Northern Plains. Quilting supply and fabric vendors will set up both days in the Nazarene Church. www.ellendalend.com; 701-349-2916
Jud Invitational Fine Art Show Jud City Hall, Jud October 3-4
This show includes regional literary, performing and visual artists ranging from sculpture, photography, needlework, paintings and more. The Jud Fall Festival and tours of Dagen's Store and Museum will coincide. 701-685-2269
Studio Crawl Fargo October 3-4
Spend two days touring the working studios of more than 40 artists – painters, potters, print makers, a mosaic artist, a glassblower, sculptors and more – all demonstrating and discussing their works. www.fmva.us; 701-298-3936.
Uff da Day Rutland October 4
The 25th annual Uff da Day includes a noon parade, pioneer demonstrations, ethnic food, classic car show, quilt display, musical entertainment and arts and crafts sale. Rutland residents sell homemade lefse, krumkake and other Norwegian specialties. www.rutlandnd.com
Potato Bowl Week Various locations, Grand Forks October 5-10
Highlights of the week include the world's largest french fry feed, University of North Dakota pep rally,fireworks display, and football game, a potato pancake breakfast and parade. www.potatobowl.org; 218-773-3633
Chili Cook-Off Linton October 10
Be part of the action as teams celebrate the opening of the pheasant hunting season by competing for the title of "Best Chili" and "Best Decorated Booth." www.lintonnd.org; 701-254-4267
Sauerkraut Day Wishek October 14
Annual celebration that honors the area's rich German heritage. A meal of sauerkraut, weiners and mashed potatoes is served. German music, craft fair, bingo and other local events highlight the day. www.wishek-nd.com; 701-452-2371
Theodore Roosevelt Symposium Dickinson State University, Dickinson October 15-17
Take part in this symposium and hear from nationally-recognized keynote speakers, prominent Roosevelt scholars, and a field trip to places in North Dakota that were of importance to Teddy Roosevelt. www.theodorerooseveltcenter.com; 701-277-9240
Haunted Fort Fort Abraham Lincoln, Mandan October 16-17
Where Nightmares come to life. Eerie tours begin at the commissary and take visitors to all the buildings on cavalry square that have been haunted by the dead. Hear hair-raising accounts of ghost sightings at Fort Abraham Lincoln. Is Fort Lincoln haunted? You decide. Fort Abraham Lincoln; 701-667-6380
Big One Art and Craft Fair Fargo Civic Center, Fargo October 16-17
The 21st annual Fargo Christmas show includes more than 260 booths showcasing handmade products from across the U.S. More than 140 exhibitors will fill their booths with arts, crafts and baked goods. www.thebigone.biz; 701-837-6059
Defending the Caveman Chester Fritz Auditorium, Grand Forks October 24
The longest running solo play in Broadway history, "Defending the Caveman" has become a worldwide hit. It's an outrageously funny and surprisingly sweet exploration of the gender gap. www.cfa.und.edu; 701-777-4090
Fort Buford Cemetery Walk Fort Buford, Williston October 24
Visit the soldiers, laundresses, wives, and fur traders (as portrayed by reenactors) who lived, died, and were buried at Fort Buford during this special evening of tours of the Fort Buford Cemetery. www.history.nd.gov/historicsites/buford/index.html; 701-572-9034
Night Eyes Howloween Event Red River Zoo, Fargo October 24-25
Come in costume and enjoy trick-or-treating through the Red Rive Zoo. View the exotic and native animals and plants from areas around the world with similar climates to the Red River Valley. Over three hundred animals of seventy-five species are waiting to greet and "treat" you. www.redriverzoo.org; 701-277-9240
These are just a few of North Dakota activities and events taking place in October. 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).
