BISMARCK - Alerus Center will be filled with booths and shoppers when the Pride of Dakota Showcase returns to Grand Forks, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 22-23.

"This year's Pride of Dakota Showcase features more than 120 companies offering unique, North Dakota-made products," Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said. "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."

The showcase is open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Admission and shopping bags are free and sponsored by the Bank of North Dakota College SAVE Plan. Parking is also free for Pride of Dakota shoppers.

The event also includes a real bearded Santa who will be available for visiting and photo opportunities. Santa's hours are 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday. He will take periodic breaks to feed the reindeer.

Retail stores are invited to attend as well. "This is a great opportunity to purchase a few items to try in your store before establishing a wholesale order. Plus, retailers can support a fellow North Dakota small business in the process. It's a chance to begin a working relationship that could be beneficial for many companies and local retail stores," said Goehring.

Shoppers should enter through southwest entrance 1 to the Alerus Center arena floor. A complete list of participating companies scheduled to be at the Grand Forks Pride of Dakota Showcase is available at https://www.prideofdakota.nd.gov/events/PODgrandforks/ by clicking "View the Grand Forks Map."

An additional Holiday Showcase is scheduled for Dec. 6-7, 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 Pride of Dakota 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.