A friendly occupation

Ole Tangen’s tiny park revolution

Small, silly beginnings

Big or tiny things can result from being stopped by a train. In April 2013, I was in a car with Dan and Tracy Faleide on an afternoon adventure, and we were stopped by a train in Moorhead. Tracy Faleide vividly remembers the “silliness of pondering having a picnic on that small patch of grass between Chumley’s and the railroad tracks.” This mad idea led to imagining a picnic in one of the "tiny" parks in the area: What would people say? Would anyone come or is this even legal? Continuing the conversation over libations, a site for the impromptu gathering was selected: Ole Tangen Triangle Park at 10 Roberts St. N., Fargo, which is the smallest park in Fargo at .076 acres.

What began as a lark was fueled by word of mouth and Facebook. We banked on curiosity begetting a few attendees. The first gathering of 20 of our friends and others who had heard about the event was on May 5, 2013, at 5:30 p.m. Cookies and lemonade were the fare. Included in that group were two schoolteachers, a librarian, a writer, a technology whiz (or two), an apartment manager, a project manager, an artist, a college professor, a photographer, several Sons of Norway members and a local radio personality. Alliances were formed among acquaintances. It was agreed that repeated gatherings were in order. Facebook events went up, tweets ensued and we subsequently began convening the second Tuesday of most months.

Hot dogs and whimsy

What’s the point? According to a founding member, Chris Carlson, the object is “pure whimsy … to meet diverse folks who have an equal and joyful sense of the absurd.” Another founder, Lisa Kornkven explains, “We even have our own secret hand signal! But, ultimately, our point is to be inclusive ... all are welcome. We aren't selling anything, converting anyone or pushing any agenda, except, maybe to have some Fargo fun!” Periodically a mayor is elected, with the lofty duties of planning the next gathering. Carlson, the current mayor, periodically breaks out singing Scandinavian fishing songs. At one gathering, tiny Norwegian flags were brought by Dean Johnson and placed in the flower beds (and remained there for some time). A celebratory song about the park’s namesake was once made up, but nobody seems to remember the words.

Some culinary highlights have included hot dogs wrapped in lefse, as well as crawfish complemented by Norwegian sauces. One December we drank hot cocoa and sang Christmas carols to the Fargo Fire Department, located next door. Downtown neighbors from a law office and other businesses have stopped by. On one summer evening in 2015 Fargo city commissioners, Parks Board members, city planners and local media joined the fun. This summer the Fargo Parks planted edible plants in the park. According to Carlson, “We in turn celebrated that with a ‘salad days’ event -- using cucumbers and tomatoes right from the park garden.”

Attendance is unpredictable. Sometimes five people show up, sometimes 35. All people are welcome, and the occasional canine. Pedestrians and bicyclists often stop out of curiosity, and whatever food is available is always gladly shared. Hot dogs are the fare more often than not (because Kornkven bought loads of them). Judy Lynn Daniels, another founder, enjoys the fellowship, “especially seeing people we don’t get to see very often, and, of course, I like the hot dogs.”

Erland Ole Tangen

Another aspect of the gatherings is commemorating the life of Erland Ole Tangen, the park’s namesake and a city planner who died in 1974. Tangen asked that the section of land where the park currently stands be designated a park. “We occasionally get friends or family of Ole's who join in the celebrations," says founding member Daniel Haglund. During one of the events, Norma Tangen, the widow of Ole Tangen, attended, providing a poignant and meaningful air to the picnic.

Occupying

Why is “occupy” applied to the title of the group? According to Jack Sunday and Jane Reff, founding members, when the group initially met, Occupy Wall Street protests were occurring nationally and locally. Several members of the group were “inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement, particularly the local Occupy events,” says Reff. Thus, the “occupy” label was applied to the park gatherings, in a joyful and peaceful manner. This also relates to the original idea – to try to fill up a tiny park with people, without being sure if it was even allowed. There is something slightly rebellious but also wholesome and community-building about grilling in the tiny park.

Stop by, say hi

The next planned outing is Tuesday, Nov. 10, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. The month’s theme and details are on Facebook. A contribution of food is welcome but not required. If you go, be prepared to make a new friend. As Tracy Faleide explains, “From one moment of silliness came something that has connected us with an even broader and quirkier set of friends – and I mean that as a sincere compliment!” As Sunday asks, “Where else can you get lingonberries and lefse?”

How far will this not-so-tiny movement go? Kornkven gleefully speculates, “I'm still waiting for the Occupy event where we invade Daly Park in Moorhead and claim it in the name of Ole Tangen Park! We should make flags.” Watch out, Moorhead.

IF YOU GO

Occupy Ole Tangen Park Community Gatherings

Nov. 10, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. and 2nd Tuesday of most months

Ole Tangen Park, 10 Roberts St N, Fargo

Admission is Free

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/occupyoletangenpark/