In Minot, September's thirty days are chuck full of connections, culturally speaking. Leading the parade of these connections, is the concert out on the North Dakota State Fairgrounds in the new grandstand by the Black Eyed Peas on Sept. 3 at 7:30 p.m., brought to you because of the relentless flooding of the Mouse River which left so many hundreds of you homeless. Minot native, Josh Duhamel, represents the connection; not ever losing his affection for his birthplace and knowing the devastation here, he used connections to help survivors of the Flood of 2011.
It is safe to say, that when Josh was growing up in Minot, the son of Bonny Kemper and stepson of George Kemper; and Stacy Ann Ferguson was growing up in Hacienda Heights, Calif., never dreamed they'd be married to one another. Nor did Josh think of appearing in TV's "All My Children" or in the long-running show "Las Vegas." Stacy Ann undoubtedly never envisioned being called "Fergie" or ever being in the hip-hop rock combo nationally and internationally acclaimed Black Eyed Peas.
Connections brought these two together. Josh, a member of the "Las Vegas" cast and Fergie and the three other Black Eyed Peas met during the show when she, as a lead singer, also appeared on "Las Vegas." And the rest, as they say, is history.
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Arlene Saugstad is a freelance writer who lives in Minot.
It's also safe to say that it is not every September, in Minot, a native son now Hollywood actor and a California Grammy Award winning artist would be appear- ing in the Magic City. We could call it "magic connections" when we see and hear the Black Eyed Peas and we can thank Josh and Fergie and the other "peas in the pod" for coming to Minot as they share their talents with hundreds of survivors of the 2011 flood. Josh just happens to be the honorary chairman of the Minot Area Flood Recovery organization, so "hats off" to all of you from all of us with a Magic City "Grammy" to Fergie and the Black Eyed Peas.
USO Gala
Thanks to a conglomeration of contacts, you and your family can enjoy the entire day of Sept. 10 beginning at 10 a.m. at The Dakota Air Museum.
Don Larson, president of the museum, located at 100-34th Ave. NE, will have military vehicles on display for this annual salute to the troops. "Troops" could mean military, and all of you courageous flood fighters of the 2011 Flood in Minot. This annual event has a new twist because of the Burlington Northern Foundation, admission is free.
Members of the Greek Orthodox Church will have special foods for sale and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be a variety of activities according to Terri Aldrich, executive director of the Minot Area Council of the Arts which represents another "connection" for this annual USO Salute. Beginning at 5 p.m. in the hangar, the entertainment begins.
Sisters By Choice, Minot's popular threesome, will please you with their special blend of harmony. Terri Aldrich, Pam Hopkins, and Pat Veikley are the choice "sisters" and for this outdoor event. Steve Veikley and his Gentle Winds Orchestra musicians plan to add their smooth soft music to the evening air. Steve's gentle musicians include, besides himself, Ben Reich, George Helm, Bix Palkorick, Josh Stevens, Justin Johnson and Diana Anderson. Terri will lend her voice to the orchestral sounds.
Rounding out the entertainment in the hanger will be Dani Lindee's talented dancers. If you should need any further information, a call to 852-8500 should connect you with whatever you need for this years USO Salute To The Troops. They will have the welcome mat out for your entire family, so come on out to the Dakota Air Museum.
Hstfest
It might be safely said, that in Minot, there is no individual who knows how and where and when to make connections better than Chet Reiten, former Minot mayor and North Dakota state senator. Chet has been, since its "birth," Mr. Norsk Hstfest.
And so, once again, flood or no flood, Chet's favorite "child" will once again be a very important part of what goes on in Minot The Norsk Hstfest.
This internationally acclaimed fest begins Sept. 27 and closes Oct. 3. Hundreds of you have been a part of this extravaganza for many years so what is included hardly ever surprises you. The hosts of variety in myriad ways offer proof of Chet's ability as a connectioneer par excellence.
Lovers of rommegrot, lefse, sweet soup, rice pudding, and lutefisk will love each of these delicacies. Some will be prepared by Minot's finest dedicated bakers and chefs representing local churches, while chefs from outside of Minot will have their specialties for your enjoyment.
Of course, there will be fiddlers, and strolling accordionists, as well as on small stages, special talented entertainers. In booths, all on the North Dakota State Fairgrounds, will be well-stocked with everything from books to jewelry to wearables to crafted articles for sale. You will meet and greet and hug many venders who have been part of Hstfest in years past.
For your pleasure, connections have been made to see and enjoy Martina McBride, Trace Adkins, The Judds, Gaithers, and perennial favorite Charlie Pride. With his command of connections, Chet would say: You all come, you are all friends Velkommen.
Enjoy September's cultural connections.