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.comNorth Dakotans will take part in a nationwide civil rights rally on Thursday, July 17. Protests, marches, rallies and acts of service are scheduled in Bismarck, Bottineau, Devils Lake,…

Back-to-school season is on the horizon, but there's still plenty of summer left. Check out our favorite August attractions and events in North Dakota and western Minnesota. And if if you missed them, here are a few excellent May…

July 18-19, 25-26 and August 2-3North Dakota Horse Park, 5180 19th Ave. N., FargoLadies and gentlemen, prepare to place your bets — racing season is upon us! Not just horses will be racing this year; word on the street suggests…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.com On July fourth, Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest took place at Coney Island. The winners, Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo, reigned victorious. Chestnut earned his 17th title by…

By Ed Raymondfargogadfly@gmail.comWhy doesn’t the world require politicians to leave office at 60?Most of the leaders of countries, whether gods, fascists, democrats or socialists, are not doing very well these days. David Van…

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 Simone Wairickgion@gmail.com The Red River Market returned to downtown Fargo on Saturday, July 12. The event will take place every Saturday except July 19. (That date will be moved to Sunday, July 20, due to the…

By Alicia Underlee Nelsonalicia@hpr1.comThe Moorhead Public Library will offer three free, all-ages outdoor concerts featuring regional bands this summer. The series begins on June 12 with the Meat Rabbits, a group that blends…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comPhoto by Sabrina Hornung Wing, North Dakota is a town of 132 located about an hour northwest of Bismarck on Highway 36. There’s a shiny new Cenex on the intersection of the highway and the high…

By Deb Wallworkdwallwork@icloud.comI first met Catherine Mulligan at a party at her house. It was a small gathering, spontaneous, just a few people over for dinner. Directed toward a stack of plates and bowls and a big pot warming…

By John Showalterjohn.d.showalter@gmail.comPhoto by Yvonne Denault There is something intimate and personal about plays. Even in our age of multimillion dollar Hollywood productions and droves of streaming services, watching actors…

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…

The drug that keeps re-purposing itselfBy Ellie Liveranieli.liverani.ra@gmail.com There is a drug that is getting a lot of attention nowadays all over the world. It has various commercial names (Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus), but…

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.com Working in the Bakken oil fields of the Williston Basin is so different from my home in Fargo. I'm not judging, because the people working and living in western North Dakota are very…