The first and, organizers hope, the last Rock the Leaves to be held indoors managed to raise close to $3,000 for flood victims in Minot.
Dan Hansen, founder of the event, said the annual fundraising benefit concert, which took place Oct. 1 at the Grand International, didn't quite live up to his expectations, but did well nonetheless.
"It didn't go as well as I had wished that it would have went. But you know, you've got to take into consideration a lot of people are not doing as much I don't think because of the flood," Hansen said. "So many are affected, so many people have already given money to the flood."
Article Photos
Submitted Photos - - Ace in Armour from Williston plays during Rock the Leaves at the Grand International in Minot Oct. 1. Proceeds from the annual benefit concert were donated to the “I Helped Rebuild Minot” Project, which buys Sheetrock for people who are rebuilding their flood-damaged homes.
On the bright side, over 500 people did show up, which helped raise more than $3,000. Thankfully there weren't many expenses, he said, so after all the bills were paid, Hansen was able to donate around $2,800 to the I Helped Rebuild Minot Project, which buys Sheetrock for flood victims rebuilding their homes.
"It wasn't a ton, but it's better than nothing," Hansen said.
"After it's all said and done, I'm satisfied with what we made because, you know, in charity benefits any money you make is a success. Unless you make zero dollars," he added with a laugh.
Although the crowd wasn't as diverse as it usually is, Hansen said everyone's spirits were high that night. He said because of the flood, a lot of families are still getting their lives back together and didn't have time to attend.
"And it wasn't in a park, it wasn't the same," he said.
Atmosphere
Although he wasn't able to hold it in Oak Park because of the flooding there, Hansen brought a little bit of the park to the Grand. They were able to get around 15 fake trees, some fake animals including raccoons, ducks and geese, fake leaves, and a few park benches to at least give the illusion it was a normal Saturday night in the park.
"A lot of people said they liked it. Some people said they liked it better in there, some people said they liked it better in the park," Hansen said. "But overall, I think spirits were pretty high."
Hansen said it was kind of a weird experience for him because he really likes the idea of an outdoor festival and being out in nature, just listening to music. Although he prefers holding it outdoors, he said this year was still fun.
"I probably wouldn't ever do it inside again because we started it in the park," Hansen said. "It was interesting. We made do with what we had."
While there were many challenges that faced Hansen with this year's benefit, he's thankful for all the help he received in pulling everything together. He said his staff, as always, was great this year. He also praised Programmers Broadcasting Inc., which owns the WGO radio station and administers the I Helped Rebuild Minot Project, and all the people who showed up for this year's concert despite the less-than-ideal conditions.
"I just want to emphasize a big, warm thank-you and show my gratitude to everyone who helped make it a good experience," Hansen said.