Pride of Dakota Showcase in Bismarck | Video

Jennifer Joas | 11/30/2012

This year`s Pride of Dakota Holiday Showcase is the largest show the organization has ever had in 27 years. The doors opened at 4:00 Friday afternoon at the Bismarck Civic Center, and it was non-stop traffic for all the vendors. More than 260 small businesses are showcasing their North Dakota made products.

"All the crafts and everything, the food products; everything that is available, you name it, they can make it in North Dakota. And that is what makes me proud of being from North Dakota, too, is all the people," said Mike Neva of Bismarck.

You can find everything from homemade meats, breads and condiments, to decorative items and apparel.

"This is kind of a good place to get some Christmas gifts, and the kettle corn, of course, is always a number one priority. So we do it every year, and it just keeps getting bigger every year," said Ramona Bernard of Mandan.

Last year 11,000 people attended the showcase in Bismarck. Once the doors opened this year, the crowds started flooding in. And organizers are expecting to break that record.

"This is the first time I have been here on a Friday. And I wanted to come because I know tomorrow is going to be elbow to elbow. And there is quite a crowd for the first hour," said Alan Hausauer of Bismarck.

And some devoted customers turn out every year.

"Every year I hope to see something new every time I come. And this year I decided to get a nice potpourri arrangement, so I am happy with that so far," said Bernard.

The Pride of Dakota also created a new passport program. If attendees get three stamps, they enter to win a chance to get $250 of Pride of Dakota bucks. The drawing is on Sunday.

The showcase is open Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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