Culture

In the Right Place, at the Right Time, With the Right People

March 2nd, 2016

Dempsey’s Public House celebrates its tenth anniversary

by John Strand and Tom Bixby

After Ralph’s Corner closed, was there ever going to be a bar and music venue where we could hang out with friends and feel at home? And for the musicians, a venue where talented but untried bands could get their start? We weren’t optimistic. And then it happened -- not all at once, and it took years of hard work. How does a successful business evolve? HPR asked Bert Meyers, co-proprietor of…

Convention Commotion

February 26th, 2016

FM Comic-Con 2016 a draw for big names and big fun

By Ben Haugmo

The 6th annual Fargo-Moorhead Comic-Con is coming up, bringing with it vendor and attractions to suit fans of all ages.

The guest of honor this year is comic book artist Robert Atkins, who has worked on publications like Deadpool, GI Joe, Spiderman, and others. Atkins has accepted commissions in advance for FM Comic-Con, so attendees can pick up their physical prints at the convention, and get them signed if they so…

Coming Unglued Again

February 25th, 2016

The 6th annual Unglued: Craft Fest is coming to Fargo on February 26 and 27 at the Plains Art Museum. I spoke with Ashley Morken, owner of Downtown Fargo’s Unglued and organizer of the event, as well as two participating makers, Ashley Nordberg of Ashley Beth Pottery, Fargo, and Laura Lempe of Poppy and Pippa, Fargo.

Day one, Friday, February 26 from 5 pm – 9 pm is aCraft Gala.Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Admission includes $5 in Unglued Cash that can be spent at…

Josef Olivieri: North Dakota’s Godfather of Hair

February 24th, 2016

Josef Olivieri is the stuff that legends are made of. With his charm, impeccable style, crisp suits, and perfectly curled silver handlebar mustache. He is the man who started the legacy of Josef’s School of Hair Design and has been referred to as North Dakota’s godfather of hair. This past December marked the icon’s 90th birthday.

Olivieri got his start in Fargo working at the three top department store salons, Moody’s, Herbst, and DeLendrecie’s. He eventually went on to open…

Making Hairstory

February 24th, 2016

Josef’s students and alumni grace the runway for Fargo’s finest fashion event

Josef’s school of hair design has been a cutting-edge institution in North Dakota since its inception in 1960. In 56 years, generations of students have walked in and out of its doors. Josef’s Annual Fashion Awards (JAFA), now in it’s 11th year, is one of Fargo-Moorhead’s most fashion-forward events, featuring not only the work of its students but alumni as well. Not only does it serve as a showcase…

Bringing Reykjavik to Fargo at the Nordic Gala

February 22nd, 2016

Anyone who has been living in Fargo for an extended period of time is well aware of the strong Scandinavian heritage in the area, between the ‘Minnesota nice’ accents and the sheer amount of Nordic paraphernalia. When we think of our Scandinavian ancestors, the countries that come to mind are Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. But although it does not neighbor them on the European continent, the small island country of Iceland is still very much a part of the Nordic region.

This…

A Traveling Irish Toast

February 18th, 2016

Irishman Tim Herlihy, Tullamore D.E.W. Brand Ambassador and Irish pub historian, is taking a month-long adventure cross country in search of the best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in all 50 states in the “Tullamore D.E.W. Irish True Pub Tour.” Tim is touring the nation, visiting the pubs and people that that make St. Patrick’s Day a special holiday. He will also be debuting Trilogy, a 15-year-old Irish Whiskey. The journey begins on February 17 in Los Angeles, and ends…

Winds of Change

February 16th, 2016

It’s no secret that Fargo-Moorhead is home to a plethora of talented tattoo artists and Aaron and Ellie Maher are no strangers to the scene. Ellie was co-owner of Dead Rockstar in Fargo, along with her brother, sister, and mother.

In 2008 Ellie and her husband Aaron relocated to Bismarck to open a second location. Once her mother retired, the family business was restructured and Tailwind tattoo was born.

Now, the husband and wife duo have made their way back to Fargo and they will be…

Send the gift of laughs (or love) this Valentine’s Day

February 11th, 2016

It’s official: Valentine’s Day is just around the corner (or Singles Awareness Day for those of us not in a relationship). For some, that means a romantic night out having a nice dinner with their significant other, and to other more jaded people it’s an attempt to try to commercialize one of the most basic of human emotions.

At the intersection of the romantic and the ridiculous is where Aimee Klein comes in with her Valentine’s singing telegrams. Leading up to Valentine’s…

No longer child’s play – VFW’s adult Pinewood Derby gives back to local veterans

February 10th, 2016

A common activity of the Boy Scouts of America and other youth groups is building and racing pinewood cars. Many people wax nostalgic when “pinewood derby” is mentioned. So, now that you’re grown up, how can you still feel the thrill? You can, by registering, creating, and racing your own car in the 2016 Downtown VFW Derby for the Vets.

For several years the Fargo VFW Post 762 has hosted an event where adults get to race these pinewood cars for prizes and bragging rights and…