Pride of Dakota Holiday Showcase returns to Bismarck

BISMARCK - The Pride of Dakota Holiday Showcase will return to the Bismarck Event Center, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6-7.

"This year's Holiday Showcase features nearly 200 companies offering unique, North Dakota-made products," said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. "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.

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.

Parking is also free for Pride of Dakota shoppers in lots C and D. Shoppers should enter the facility through door E42 located on the west side of the Exhibit Hall (facing 5th Street). A complete list of participating companies scheduled to be at the Bismarck Pride of Dakota Holiday Showcase is available at https://www.prideofdakota.nd.gov/events/PODbismarck/ by clicking "View the Bismarck map."

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 Holiday 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.