Culture

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…

At the behest of the beard

February 4th, 2016

Pfaff offers class in crafting custom beard oils

by Ben Haugmo

There’s no denying that, for many people, beards are beautiful. Yet even the most rugged facial hair can benefit from a little extra maintenance and grooming. One method of providing one’s beard with some additional TLC is through the use of beard oils.

Micaela Pfaff will be sharing what she has learned about the creation of beard oils with students.Pfaff has a background in making mixed media art, and decided to try her…

The North Unit: A Photo Essay

January 28th, 2016

Sites to see in these locales are the top five destinations as chosen by the New York Times in its article “52 Places to Go in 2016.” Theodore Roosevelt National Park of western North Dakota took the No. 5 spot, selected for its embodiment of conservation that President Theodore Roosevelt championed.

However, the national park was the 107th most visited site in 2014 of the National Park Service’s 367 sites. Just under 560,000 people visited the park that year, out of 2014’s 68…

What’s cooler than being cool? Frostival!

January 28th, 2016

It’s a popularly held assumption that residents of the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo area have no choice but to suffer through an annual affliction: severe winter. However, locals here know that this is hardly the whole truth, and it’s high time to show that we embrace the cold rather than hide from it. And now, we have that opportunity.

This January marks the first-ever North of Normal Frostival, a multi-city-wide festival of outdoors activities and games, proving that here the season…

Animal shelter seeks volunteer dog walkers

January 24th, 2016

Dog walkers are essential to any shelter, as adoptable dogs thrive on human interaction, exercise and outdoor stimulation. Most of the time, Fargo’s Homeward Animal Shelter has no shortage of pet lovers willing to volunteer their time.

However, recent weather developments have led to a shortage of volunteers, as few are willing to brave the cold. The shelter is currently looking for dog walkers willing to commit weekly two-hour sessions for a minimum of three months.

Luckily, Homeward…

Caravanserai shares Muslim culture through music

January 21st, 2016

By Jamie Hutchinson

The North Dakota Museum of Art is one of three organizations hosting this year’s Caravanserai with a group of Muslim-American musicians touring Grand Forks, teaching workshops and performing at various schools. Their stay will culminate in a public performance at Red River High School on Saturday.

Caravanserai is a cultural exchange program featuring a diverse array of Muslim musicians performing traditional Middle Eastern music, often with contemporary influences.…

Spotted Bear at Level 2 Comedy Club

December 28th, 2015

By John Showalter

I’m thinking that perhaps I should elaborate on the title of the article. Don’t worry -- there hasn’t been a bear spotted at Level 2 Comedy Club, so by all means you should go on the evening of Jan. 2. That was just my ham-fisted attempt at a joke. But I’m not the professional stand-up comedian, William Spotted Bear is, and that night he will be having a comeback show you don’t want to miss.

Readers will recall our coverage of Adam Quesnell’s going-away show…

High Plains Reader New Year’s Eve Guide

December 24th, 2015

As we bid 2015 adieu on Thursday December 31, The folks here at The high Plains Reader have put together a list of attractions to help you usher in 2016. The night is your oyster and we are here to help you find the pearls.Prepare to soak up the champagne, dance the night away, wine and dine yourselves,dress to the nines, but remember to stay warm, and stay safe. We will see you in 2016!

Aquarium above Dempsey’s

Thurs. Dec. 31, 9 pm to 1 am

226 Broadway, Fargo

Semi-annual local Weezer…

On the hunt for winter tourism

December 18th, 2015

Bundle up, just in case

By John Showalter

One would think that winter is a slow time for tourism in a state like Minnesota, even those of us who consider ourselves immured to the cold by living here in the frozen north winter after winter, only to find ourselves coming up with excuses to stay inside where it’s warm and toasty.

That’s something that Explore Minnesota, the state’s tourism promotion office, realizes. But tourism is a 13 billion dollar industry in the state, so for the…

Your Holiday Shopping Cheat Sheet

December 17th, 2015

By Alicia Underlee Nelson

So you’re in a panic because you haven’t finished (or, ahem, even started) your holiday shopping yet? No worries. Here’s your holiday shopping cheat sheet, cleverly arranged by gift recipient, so you can grab your list, hit the shops (they’re all in Fargo, just to keep it simple) and get out fast.

You’re welcome.

For Foodies

A visit to Sweet Dreams Confections (4101 13th Avenue South)will satisfy a sweet tooth. Look for rich, homemade fudge, pretty…