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Doreen
Pendgracs |
North Dakota
Adventures The 12,000 lakes of Minnesota. The breathtaking Badlands of South Dakota. The rolling ranch country of Montana. Each of these descriptions conjures up beautiful images in our minds. But to many RVers passing through the north central U.S., North Dakota has often been a “drive-through” state, with pre-conceived notions of nothing but flat plains and nothing much to see or do. Well, think again. I’ve been fortunate in that I’ve grown up in Manitoba, and because our province borders North Dakota, I have made numerous journeys to the state. But our trips were primarily for the purpose of scoring great shopping deals, and had come to a screeching halt when the Canadian dollar took a plunge. It’s only been during the last year – since our dollar made a valiant comeback – that we have ventured further into North Dakota and taken the time to smell those abundant Wild Prairie Roses, the lovely state flower that you’ll see at every turn. The state is filled with spring, summer and fall fairs and events. Which makes it great RVing country. Once the snow has melted and the grass has turned green, you’ll find plenty of parks and campsites that are handy to all the action. North Dakota has 17 State Parks and Recreation Areas and offers more than 400 campgrounds to host you while you explore the state. You’ll need a good week to take in the highlights – more if you have time to relax and truly enjoy it all.
Hostfest is primarily known for two things. You’ll get four days of top-notch, non-stop entertainment (the bill for 2006 included Liza Minnelli, Terri Clark, George Jones, the Oak Ridge Boys and many others.) And you’ll have the opportunity to meet up with an incredible group of RVers. There have been as many as 1,300 rigs gather in the Minot area for Hostfest and 2007 is sure to top those numbers in anticipation of the big anniversary celebrations. “For a project this size, I think they do a great job,” says Arnold Bieber, an RVer from Regina, Saskatchewan who’s been coming to Hostfest for the past 27 years. Bieber and his wife attended the 2006 event with a group of 17 from their home province. “We enjoy the event so much that we’ve been volunteering as ushers in the Great Hall for the past four years.” To serve the 50-60,000 attendees each year, Hostfest relies heavily on its 7,000 volunteers. There are also many volunteers who see that the RV Hospitality Center is up and running from 7:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. each day under the leadership of longtime RV Hospitality Center chairperson, Elma Doerr of Minot. “We’re an info centre for RVers and provide a good gathering place for old and new friends to meet and solve our RV problems,” says Doerr, who with husband, Alan has been RVing for the past 34 years. There are about 1,000 RV parking spots right on the Hostfest grounds where you can park your rig for the duration of the event at a cost of $17/day. This fee includes parking, a free shuttle that takes you the relatively short distance to and from Hostfest activities (held in the Leif Eriksson Millennium Hall,) daily sewer and water service as well as a complimentary daily local newspaper and free coffee and donuts in the hospitality centre. There is also an RV trade show on site that enables you to see what’s new on the market. “We get a free lunch and great support from the dealers in the community,” says Bieber. “It’s a lot of fun to be here.” You can also find privately run campgrounds off-site yet near the fairgrounds, but beware, they book up early. We called the Riverside Campground (which charges $41/night and is a short distance away) in mid-January this year, and they were already full for the Hostfest dates in October! It is indeed a popular event for RVers.
As well, you’ll find plenty of tasty and reasonably priced food at Hostfest. Some of the more unusual offerings include the “Viking on a stick,” a giant spicy meatball coated with dough and served on a stick as well as the funnel cakes, a scrumptiously sweet treat of Scandinavian heritage. If you’re in the mood for fine dining, you’ll find that, too. “En To Tre” offers a delicious three-course lunch or dinner in a very elegant restaurant-style setting. The cost was $35 per person in 2006 and we found it well worth the price. Where else can you get Norwegian smoked salmon or Norwegian grilled halibut served to perfection – without going all the way to Norway? Each of the five Scandinavian countries is represented at Hostfest, and if you’re a first-timer, be sure to take in the Parade of Flags held every day of the event. It will give you a chance to see international dignitaries and flags and listen to the anthem of each of the host countries: Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Iceland. If you enjoy cultural experiences, then another North Dakota event that you are sure to want to take in is the Medora Musical. Held each summer from the beginning of June until the beginning of September, the Medora Musical has been running for more than 40 years and thrills audiences of all ages because of its striking setting. ... page 2 -30- |
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We now have a couple
of favourite events where we’ve met many
interesting travellers, not only from throughout North America, but
from around the globe. The biggest event of the fall season is Norsk
Hostfest, North America’s largest Scandinavian festival that
is held each year at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds in Minot. This
year, Hostfest will be held from October 9-13 and is the 30th anniversary
of the event, so is sure to be excellent. 
In
addition to the great music and camaraderie that are trademarks of
Hostfest, you’ll also find an interesting array of exhibitors
and craftspeople selling their wares. Norwegian Rosemaling, a highly
decorative art form generally painted on wood, is very popular at Hostfest.
If you’re planning to buy a gift for someone who appreciates
the intricacy of design, rosemaling may be a good choice. I was amazed – and
amused – at the troll-like woodcarvings and humans dressed like
trolls that you’ll see most everywhere at Hostfest. Trolls are
the mascot of this unusual event and you’ll find one peeking
around virtually every corner.