The Hostfest-Heritage Foundation has announced the completion of a significant challenge grant for the annual Norsk Hostfest festival, to be held Sept. 25-28.

In May of this year, a challenge was presented by Clint Severson to secure the festival’s future. The challenge grant offered a dollar-for-dollar match up to $600,000.

Supporters responded immediately, and within weeks, substantial financial contributions poured in from private donors, the Minot Area Community Foundation, several members of the Reiten Family and numerous community advocates.

“I have been a member of the board since Hostfest resumed after the pandemic. Each year I have watched it get better and better,” said Severson, Norsk Hostfest Association board member. “Conni and I are proud to be supporters of the 2024 Hostfest as it returns to being a locally managed event.”

“We are immensely grateful for the challenge grant, the donors who rose to meet that challenge and the community as a whole for its confidence in the festival,” said John Mackner, board president of the Hostfest-Heritage Foundation. “We encourage continued support for the festival through ticket sales, volunteer opportunities and financial contributions to our foundation.”