Localism: North Dakota

The 1st Attempt

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:45:39 -0500

Now that I have read numerous blogs and comments I've come to realize that the only way to get started is to just DO IT! So, here goes.

As this is my first attempt I've decided to start very slowly! Future blogs will stick to topics such as: real estate, city and county government and life! This one could be considered filed under 'life.'

Working under the adage that 'A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words' I'm going to burn up the page with images!

Wouldn't it be great if our marketing images were as easy to compose?

The inspiration for my company logo!

One of my many future blogs will concern parking and its issues! This image reflects Fargo when there was apparently no such a thing as a parking ticket!

Okay! So I didn't burn up the page with images, but at least I got started! I've even managed to create an outbound link to my website!One of the many things I don't yet know how to do is set up a great header! Another is the creation of a background. These and many other bits of knowledge will become known as I work my way thru AR!

Having now previewed this, my first blog, I hope you all have patience. Please comment with any helpful suggestions you might have which could help me with improvement of my future posts!

Thrift Stores

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:27:19 -0500

This post is for ALL Realtors as well as folks moving to Minot North Dakota.

A lot of people, myself included, like to hunt for bargains so as community promoters (Realtors) we should be able to tell clients where the bargain shops are. I work with a lot of young families due to the Minot Air Force Base and these kids can use all the help they can get. I also work with some very affluent people and they often ask where they can donate items that they have updated or items they just don't use. Everybody can use a Thrift Store for one reason or another.

I found a neat site that can inform you of Thrift Stores in your area. It's called ThriftShopper.com. It's not perfect, It missed three in Minot ND but it's a start.

In Minot North Dakota the thrift shops are: 1) The Restore 112 2nd Ave SW 2) Dakota Boys & Girls Ranch 1206 S Broadway 3) Goodwill 1405 S Broadway 4) Salvation Army 1933 S Broadway 5) Seventh Day Adventist Clothing Center (they give there clothes away here) 10 17th Ave SW, around the corner from the church 6) Building Bridges on the corner of 1st Street and 2nd Avenue SE

Bob Timm, Minot ND

The Great Tomato Festival

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:56:20 -0500

Things have been so crazy busy here in Minot I have not been able to keep up with my goal of sharing one great thing about Minot North Dakota every day. Therefore I will share a few thing today just to get caught up. Speaking of "GREAT", last Thursday was the 20th Annual "The Great Tomato Festival".

Picture courtesy of KXMC-TV News in Minot

The Great Tomato Festival is a wonderful event that is put on by three different groups in town, The Minot Public Library, The Western Plains Opera, and The Taube Museum Of Art (pronounced Taw-bee). Each year the thee groups and many volunteers get together and put on this event. Although they all work together all the proceeds benefit one of the groups for that year and then it rotates each year. This year it was the Minot Public Library and they netted about $40,000.00. Just think of what a boost that is to the local library.

The event features a diner with the menu being of one huge grilled on the spot pork chop, a stuffed tomato, pasta, home made style biscuit, desert and beverage. There is a silent auction with items from many, many local vender's and performing artists. One of the coolest donations this year was a 1990 Jaguar XJS Coup Rouge Addition (it was a beautiful machine). All the while a cool Jazz band is playing and you can just enjoy visiting or even get up and dance. I am only guessing but I would say there was a thousand people present.

It's really a fun time and I hope to see you there next year. Coming up next for a great time is the Norsk Hostfeast which I have blogged about in the past. Please click HERE to learn more.

Bob Timm, Minot ND

North America's Largest Scandinavian Festival

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:46:58 -0500

One thing well worth blogging about within Minot North Dakota is an event called The Norsk Hostfest. The Scandinavion heritage of this area is emphesised through out the Minot community but this event in particular brings us visiters from all around the World. This event is much like the State Fair in the manor that it hosts many top billing stars over the 10 day period of celebration. Also it is held on the North Dakota State Fair Grounds. The only thing missing is the carnavil rides. However the carnavil atmosphere is present as venders bring, make, and sell their items of Scandinavion interest. This is an event for the entire family with activities running all day long and well into the night.

Just how BIG is the Nork Hostfest? Royalty of Norway attend it. Not only is every hotel/motel room booked far in advance but many local folks rent rooms and RV parking spaces. The demand for lodging is so great for the Norsk Hostfest that it creates a demand in Bismarck ND one hundred miles away so don't leave the planning for the last minute. You will enjoy this event even if you are a German like me, after all aren't we all Irish on St. Patrick's Day?

I certainly can not tell you nearly as much about the Norsk Hostfest as the people who operate it so please visit their website at http://www.hostfest.com/ today. If you do not have a high speed connection and a ton of memory you may want to turn the sound off for this site.

Bob Timm, Realtor, Minot ND 701-720-8513

Minot North Dakota's Scandinavian Heritage Park

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:39:26 -0500

The Scandinavian Heritage Park in Minot North Dakota is a must see if you are in Minot North Dakota or even just passing through. This park is relatively new and expanding but you will be amazed at all it contains. Located close to the heart of Minot it is like an oasis in the middle of the city. Rich in heritage it is a delight to walk through (even if you are German like myself). We last visited the park on Sunday when my 8 year old daughter insisted we go back and visit again. I hope you enjoy the virtual tour. You can view it at http://www.realnd.com/scandiheritageindex.htm . Regretfully the center itself is not open on Sundays but it is still well worth the visit.

Bob Timm, Realtor, Minot ND 701-720-8513