Tracker Pixel for Entry

Harold’s Gives Its First Anniversary a Warm (and Cold) Welcome

Beer Snob | January 22nd, 2020

photo courtesy of Chainsaw Dave

Even though it didn’t officially open until February 1st of last year, Moorhead bar Harold’s on Main had been under discussion for several years beforehand by its owners. Longtime friends and musicians Eric Odness, Rob Pope, Frank Bevan, Sean Tillman, Preston Olson, and Tom Kemmer wanted to provide a new addition to make up for the dearth of bars in Moorhead compared to its neighbor Fargo.

Though some, like Moorhead native Odness who now lives in Brooklyn, were separated by distance from their old stomping grounds, their bonds of friendship and passion for a good bar were not abated. The team converted what used to be First Avenue Auto into a brand new drinking establishment with an old-timey aesthetic and the appearance of a mid-century modern cocktail lounge.

Their business venture is still going strong and in no time at all Harold’s will be celebrating its first anniversary on the same weekend of Fargo-Moorhead’s Frostival. “It just happened to coincide,” said Kemmer, who as well as being one of the owners of the bar owns his own construction business in Fargo called Kemmco. Naturally, he lent his skills in that department to much of the woodwork in Harold’s. After consulting with Sharon Lawson from the Moorhead Business Association, Kemmer and crew were able to tie in their bar’s momentous first anniversary with Frostival.

“It’s a win-win,” said Kemmer. Not only is an opportunity for old friends separated by distance to reunite for a weekend of good drinks and fun to celebrate this milestone achievement, but it’s also a great opportunity for them to advertise their business to the Fargo-Moorhead community at large. Future patrons who may have been unfamiliar with the establishment before will have a great opportunity to enjoy themselves both in and outdoors on January 31st and February 1st.

Kemmer advises those interested in attending to follow Harold’s on Main on social media as not all of the schedule has yet been set in stone as of the writing of this article, but he was able to relate a number of things to look forward to that weekend. David Belling, affectionately known by many in Fargo as “Chainsaw Dave”, will be providing an ice bar and live ice sculpting during the event. If you’re thinking that it’s already cold enough outside without even more ice, never fear: there will be fire pits and propane heaters throughout the parking lot for those enjoying activities outdoors. Triple X Hatchet and Axe Throwing will be on deck for people who, as you might have guessed from the name, want to throw axes (responsibly). For those too young to drink, the Healing Arts Revolution will be hosting tents that have fun kids’ activities like making crafts, ice cream, and percussion music. Dusty from the Cropdusters will be DJing during the event. There are also plans to have karaoke and even more games indoors, though those under 21 will not be able to be there later than 10 PM.

Make sure to bundle up to enjoy the outdoor activities and then hang up your coat and have even more fun indoors and warm your spirits with spirits the last weekend of January. Just remember that if you do, do so responsibly, and don’t forget to tip your servers.

IF YOU GO:
Frostival Winter Mixer at Harold’s
Friday, January 31, 4:00pm Harold’s on Main, 1330 Main Ave, Moorhead

Recently in:

By Alicia Underlee Nelsonalicia@hpr1.com Ten North Dakota communities will participate in the nationwide No Kings Day of Peaceful Action on October 18. The grassroots movement is a nonviolent protest against President Trump’s…

By Michael M. Millermichael.miller@ndsu.edu I would like to recognize some of the scholarly Germans from Russia from Canada and USA shared on the GRHC website. There are additional names not included here. If you have suggestions…

Friday, October 31, doors 8 p.m. show starts at 8:30 p.m.The Aquarium above Dempey’s, 226 N. Broadway, FargoThe annual Aquarium Halloween Cover Show is back and it is stacked. And this time there are a limited amount of presale…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.com At the end of September, downtown Fargo said goodbye to another old friend; the Spirit Room closed its doors, marking the end of an era. The Spirit Room room has been a fixture downtown for the…

By Ed Raymondfargogadfly@gmail.comAnother public health crisis besides guns: lack of empathyThe Sisters of Charity have finally had enough of their Trumper boss, Roman Catholic Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York. One of the most…

By Rick Gionrickgion@gmail.com Holiday wine shopping shouldn’t have to be complicated. But unfortunately it can cause unneeded anxiety due to an overabundance of choices. Don’t fret my friends, we once again have you covered…

By Rick Gion and Nichole Hensenrickgion@gmail.com The wait is finally over. Those who have visited Nichole’s Fine Pastry & Cafe lately know about the recent major additions and renovations that have taken place over the past…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.com Dakotah Faye is a hip-hop artist from Minot, North Dakota, and he’s had a busy year. He’s released two albums. This summer he opened for Tech N9ne in Sturgis and will be opening for Bone…

By Greg Carlsongregcarlson1@gmail.comNoémie Merlant, working from a script she wrote with Pauline Munier and her “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” collaborator Celine Sciamma, directs herself in “The Balconettes” (the…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.com Gallery 4 downtown recently celebrated its 50 year anniversary, making it one of the longest consecutively running galleries in the country. With different membership tiers, there are 17 primary…

Press release“Shakespeare with a sharpened edge.” To launch its 2025 – 2026 season, Theatre NDSU is thrilled to team up with Moorhead-based organization Theatre B to perform a co-production of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and…

By Annie Prafckeannieprafcke@gmail.com AUSTIN, Texas – As a Chinese-American, connecting to my culture through food is essential, and no dish brings me back to my mother’s kitchen quite like hotdish. Yes, you heard me right –…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comNew Jamestown Brewery Serves up Local FlavorThere’s something delicious brewing out here on the prairie and it just so happens to be the newest brewery west of the Red River and east of the…

By Ellie Liveranieli.liverani.ra@gmail.com When we are sick, all we want is a cure. You go to the doctor, they give you a pill, you take it for a bit, then you are cured. It happens. But unfortunately, it is not always the case. …

By Alicia Underlee NelsonProtests against President Trump’s policies and the cuts made by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are planned across North Dakota and western Minnesota Friday, April 4 and…

By Vern Thompsonvern.thompson@rocketmail.comMoral accountability and the crisis of leadership  As a recovering person living one day at a time for the last 35 years, I have learned not to judge others because I have not walked in…