Pride of Dakota Holiday Showcase Bigger than ever in Grand Forks

Grand Forks, ND (WDAY TV) -- The Pride of Dakota Holiday Showcase has transformed the Alerus Center into a shopper's paradise. It's in it's biggest year in Grand Forks. Nearly 6-thousand people are expected to shop the wide range of vendors.

Scott Karsky, Brenarsky's Gourmet Seasoning: "this is one of the best opportunities in the state of North Dakota to get out product out there."

Scott Karsky and Dave Bren started their business about a year ago. They say shows like the Pride of Dakota are the perfect opportunity to attract customers across the state.

Scott Karsky: "absolute great exposure. Not just for us but for everybody that's here. It's just a wonderful opportunity, no matter if you're just getting started with a few products or if you, like some of the wine companies, they've been around and they're all over the state. But it’s just great exposure."

Vendors who are more established agree.

Katrina Hodny, Leo's Potato Dumplings: "we've done Williston and Dickinson and it was kind of fun to bring our product to the western part of the state. We weren't out there at all before in the stores or anything like that."

Everything here is hand made or home grown right here in North Dakota. And with so many options, you're sure to find a unique gift for everyone on your holiday shopping list.

Sharon Branvold, Shopper: (she shows her purchase) "it's handmade... And it's a koozie that goes over a coffee cup and then you put your pens all around it and then you can put your scissors and other things in it. And I have a sister that's a teacher too so I'm sending it to her."

From potato dumplings, to bloody mary mixes, and photographs to jewelry, Pride of Dakota offers something for everybody.

Katrina Hodny, Leo's Potato Dumplings: "it's just a wonderful, wonderful state and product and we have a wonderful product and we're glad we can bring it to wonderful North Dakota people."

Scott Karsky: "we've had a great deal of success, way beyond our expectations. And we know in Grand Forks, Fargo, Bismark and Minot, the big ones, we'll probably double the volume we've ever done before."

The showcase has 135 vendors. The show is open tomorrow from 11 to 5. Admission is 2 dollars.

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