Hungry show their Pride of Dakota
By MARVIN BAKER, Staff Writer mbaker@minotdailynews.comArticle Photos
Fact Box
The Pride of Dakota program was created in 1985 by then Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Jones after he learned how state-sponsored "brand" programs worked elsewhere.
Jones gathered a small group of North Dakota businesses, and NDDA's marketing staff, to create an identifiable state "brand" that would designate products as made in North Dakota. Legislation was drafted, which was passed by the 1985 Legislature.
One of the program's first tasks was developing a name and logo. A local advertising agency came up with the name "Pride of Dakota."
Members include food companies, manufacturers, publishers, artisans, gift manufacturers and service providers. In addition, Pride of Dakota has associate members, commodity groups, government agencies, educational institutions, and retailers that support the program. For more information, log on to (www.prideofdakota.nd.gov).
More than 1,200 were expected to turn out for the 20th annual Pride of Dakota Day at the North Dakota State Fair Monday, and judging by the line forming in front of the big tent at noon, that might have been the case.
Many people have taken in the event in past years and know they are getting a good meal of North Dakota products for $1 while others are curious to try something new.
Sara Kelsch, a marketing specialist with Pride of Dakota, said the $1 meal has become a tradition at the North Dakota State Fair.
Originally, it was set up to showcase some of the products that were made in the state, but has become a bigger event with Pride of Dakota vendors selling their wares under the big tent and local TV station KMOT promoting the event.
"We like to have a presence at the State Fair because it is agriculture related," Kelsch said. "It's not a big selling event, but it is great exposure."
With Pride of Dakota Day well advertised, and many others making it a routine, Kelsch said she wouldn't be surprised if more than 1,200 dropped in for the meal, socializing and sales.
Pride of Dakota hit 1,200 served last year, but the difference a year ago was the temperature. Kelsch said it pushed up to 103 degrees, while Monday's temperature was in the low 80s.
Chuck Fleming, a marketing specialist at the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, suggested 1,300 would be a more accurate number and ordered 1,300 hot dogs, saying if that many patrons didn't show up, he would consume the difference.
Still, Kelsch's estimate remained on the conservative side.
"We expect to serve between 1,200 and 1,300 hot dogs," she said. "I would think a few thousand would flow through the tent throughout the day."
Pride of Dakota is sponsored by Cloverdale meats, Pan-O-Gold bread, Land-O-Lakes dairy, Northern Potato Growers and KMOT-TV. All of the proceeds are turned over to charity. This year the North Dakota Future Farmers of America is the benefactor.
Michael Mickelson was one of about 25 vendors at Pride of Dakota Day and took full advantage of a steady stream of people flowing past his display.
Mickelson, of Glenburn, owns and operates Egg Creek Iron Works, and has been a Pride of Dakota member three years. He said Pride of Dakota Day is well organized and it does a good job of promoting North Dakota's products.
Mickelson builds ornamental iron structures in numerous shapes and sizes. He takes a lot of orders during festivals all year-round.
"Customers can design it to fit their architecture," Mickelson said. "I welcome new ideas all the time. Every piece is one of a kind hand made."
According to Mickelson, his business is unique since there aren't a lot of people bending and molding iron into shapes and structures for the garden and house.
He said most of this type of art is done in the South and is fairly common in Louisiana.
"Most of the items are ordered and are wrought iron and flat iron," he said. "Most of the smaller items will move out today."
According to Kelsch, Pride of Dakota Day is fairly routine for the vendors. Many have done it in the past and they mark their calendars in a similar fashion as the customers who wait in line for a Cloverdale hot dog, which is the same hot dog sold in Safeco Field during Seattle Mariners games.
"This is a good show and so is the Holiday Showcase in November," Mickelson said. "It's a good organization to belong to."
