After living in Minot for a while, you start to pick up on the little things. You figure out which car wash you prefer, what playgrounds have the best slides, and which roads are most likely to be sanded after a snowstorm. But no matter how long you’ve called Minot home, there’s always something new to learn.

This week, I hosted a round of Hey Minot trivia as part of an MSU Giving Day event, and it was a blast. I am a lover of fun facts, so getting to create a trivia round was a great assignment. Whether you’re a lifelong local or a newly arrived transplant, I hope these tidbits are fun—and a little challenging for you. After all, there is nothing like frivolous trivia to impress your friends and fill gaps in conversation.
So, are you up for a little trivia? Let’s dive in.

1. How many animal species are on display at Roosevelt Park Zoo?
   According to their website, our zoo is currently home to 54 different animal species. That includes everything from majestic Amur tigers to curious red pandas, and a whole host of animals in between. And it’s one of my favorite places to spend a spring day.
2. What well known building in town used to be known as McFarland Auditorium?
   Ann Nicole Nelson Hall, located on the campus of Minot State University, was formerly known as McFarland Auditorium. In 2003, the space was renamed in honor of Ann Nicole Nelson, a Minot native and MSU graduate who tragically lost her life in the September 11 attacks. The renaming not only preserved her memory but also added a deeply personal connection to a space that continues to bring people together through music, performance and learning.
3. In 2025, how many years will Minot have hosted its annual performance of Handel’s Messiah?
   Each December, the voices of Minot come together for a breathtaking community performance of Handel’s Messiah. In 2025, that tradition will mark its 96th consecutive performance. It’s a powerful display of talent and community spirit, and if you’ve never attended, put it on your holiday calendar.
4. What does MAYSA stand for?
   We all know the MAYSA Arena as the go-to for ice skating, hockey, and tournaments. But did you know that MAYSA is an acronym? It stands for Minot Area Youth Skating Association. That’s right—it all started with a focus on giving kids a space to skate.
5. What was Minot’s first organized baseball team called?
   Before the Hot Tots brought summer baseball back in a big way, Minot had a rich baseball history. The first organized team was formed in 1917 and went by the name the Minot Why Nots. I for one, didn’t realize that saying went back that far.
6. What’s Dizzy the Clown’s real name?
   Dizzy the Clown is a Minot legend. He’s been delighting kids and adults alike for more than 50 years. Behind the wig and nose is Ken Gillespie, a man who has made it his mission to bring joy and laughter to this community.
7. How many years has Daryl’s Racing Pigs been performing?
   The pig races are always a must-see at the fair, and Daryl’s Racing Pigs have become the longest-running entertainment act on the grounds. In 2025, Daryl will mark 38 years of snorting, squealing, and sprinting pigs. What a legacy.
8. Which of these items is not available for checkout with a Minot Public Library card: a telescope, Nintendo Switch, jigsaw puzzles, or pickleball equipment?
   Our library is full of surprises. You can check out a Nintendo Switch for family game night, borrow pickleball gear, or take home a telescope to stargaze. But jigsaw puzzles are the odd one out. They’re available on a take-one, leave-one basis—no checkout necessary.
9. What did Josh Duhamel study at Minot State University?
   Before becoming a Hollywood heartthrob, Josh Duhamel studied biology at MSU with plans to become a dentist. (Somehow, I think acting worked out okay for him.)
10. What is Minot’s record high temperature?
    Minot is famous for its frigid winters, but our record high is 109 degrees, set in July 1936. But what’s really wild is the state high temperature: 121 degrees, in Steele, ND in the same year.
    

So, how did you do? Whether you aced it or learned something new, I hope these little nuggets of Minot trivia were fun. Maybe this week you’ll visit the zoo, borrow something unexpected from the library, or dazzle someone with your knowledge of North Dakota record temps.

Minot has more to offer than meets the eye—but you already knew that.
For more on life in Minot, and learning to love where you are, join me online at amyallender.com, or Instagram and Facebook @HeyMinot and @Amy_Allender