Fall is right around the corner and with it comes cozy sweaters, warm beverages, and most of all Festival on Main. This event takes place on September 14 in Downtown Minot and it is a can’t miss time of family fun. If you want that feeling of a Hallmark movie, you will get it at Festival on Main. Smiles, happy people, good food, local shopping, games, and more will be waiting for you to partake on a crisp autumn day.
Starting at 10 am, the streets will be transformed into a wonderland of food trucks, vendors, jumping castles, carnival games, and sidewalk sales. You will find an entire day of entertainment at your fingertips.
The Magic City Lions Club graciously donated to create a Kids Zone filled with carnival games. The kids will have a great time playing a wide variety of games including the chicken chucker, duck pond, football throw, corn hole, ladder ball, and many more. There will also be inflatables for them to jump to their heart’s content. Tickets for the games can be purchased at the event.
One block west of Main Street, the kiddos will be thrilled over the opportunity to get up close to helicopters, fire trucks, and more. Both the Minot Air Force Base and Trinity Hospital will have their helicopters available to see plus many other specialty vehicles that are rare to see in close proximity.
Another stop on the tour is the North Prairie Farmers Market on the corner of Broadway and 1st Ave NE. From fresh produce to baked goods and handmade items to canned goods, it is always a great way to support our local producers and get the freshest food in season.
On the stage starting at 10 am, there will be a variety of different happenings. At noon, there will be a Salute to Veterans with a presentation of colors and folding of the flag. Throughout the day, there will be everything from tricycle races to music and New Town Feather Dancers to a fire and hoops presentation. The following is a schedule of events on the main stage:
10-11:30 am – DJ Music
12:00 pm – Salute to Veterans
12:30 pm – Grace Notes
1:00 pm – Tricycle Races
1:30 pm – New Town Feather Dancers
2:00 pm – Fire and Hoops Presentation
2:30 pm – Jared Schumaier Music
3:00 pm – Frozen T-shirt Contest for Kids – First 13 kids ages 12 and under
3:30 pm – Frozen T-shirt Contest for Adults – First 5 adults
4:00 pm – DJ Music
Another huge attraction at the festival is the Dakota Cruisers Car Show. It is their finale show of the season and this year marks their 30th anniversary of the organization. They will be bringing in up to 150 cars for the show and attenders can vote on the People’s Choice Award. This is a chance for you to say which car was your favorite of the show. There will be a huge variety of vehicles ranging from vintage to modern and will truly have a car type that appeals to every age.
The doors of the local shops will be open for business and there are lots of shopping opportunities with many great local businesses downtown. Many will be offering sidewalk sales and will also be open for shopping during the festival. If you haven’t checked out the many stores in Downtown Minot, it is a great day to find all the hidden gems and all of your favorites. You just never know what kind of unique finds you will come across.
Volunteer opportunities are available during the festival. If you would like to volunteer for a shift, it is a fun way to get involved and meet others in the community. Sign up on downtownminot.com under upcoming events. Click on Festival on Main and under read more, you will see a sign up button. There are a variety of shifts to choose from throughout the day and help is always welcomed and needed.
Take to the heart of the city on September 14 and get all the feelings of fall, community, and fun all in one location. Bring your friends or meet new ones while you take in all that Minot has to offer. Have a bite to eat at a local restaurant or food truck, let the kids play games to their hearts’ content, and leave feeling ready for autumn.
