Future Farmers of America students judging grain samples during 1961 show. Photo: W.P. Sebens

North Dakota Winter Show in Valley City

The North Dakota Winter Show is the Dakotas' longest running agricultural show. From its humble beginnings in 1937, the show has grown into a major 11-day event that attracts 70,000 visitors each year. Its purpose is to showcase the many facets of the region's agricultural industry. Livestock shows, competitions, and sales remain a foundation of today's event. Home-grown foods and crafts are featured, as well as youth educational events, attracting participation by the area's 4-H Clubs and Future Farmers of America chapters. During the first few years, musical entertainment became part of the Winter Show tradition, followed by rodeos, professional wrestling, boxing, vaudeville shows, an all North Dakota Talent Night. Project documentation includes an extensive report on the history of show, photographs, and a book Comradely Competition, Education and Entertainment - The First 50 Years of the North Dakota Winter Show. 

Originally submitted by: Earl Pomeroy, Representative (At Large).

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