Yesterday it was announced the the largest scandinavian festival in America has come to an end.
This is very sad news for many. The Norsk Hostfest is a 3 day event that draws thousands of people to Minot ND. The North Dakota State Fair is the largest event in North Dakota and I believe the Hostfest is the second or the third largest event in the State of North Dakota.
Visitors and entertainers come from all over the world, including the Queen of Norway. Vendors come from all over the USA as does a RV club.
This will be a huge blow to Minot's economy as there is never a hotel room available and the restaurants and bars are always full during the event. Many of the vendors make the bulk of their living during the Hostfest.
So what's the problem?
It is my not so humble opinion that 100% of the failure lies squarely on the back of management (or mismanagement). Again, this is my opinion.
#1) Ticket prices were far beyond the average family. Most people attended by volunteering to help in one capacity or another so they got in free. I recommend a lower ticket price then what was being charged and then perhaps even the volunteers pay half of what the new lower priced tickets would be... no free rides to anyone.
#2) The entertainment. Granted the Festival draws an older crowd but that doesn't mean that they have to hire entertainers who are pushing 90 years of age as the headliners.
#3) Renegotiate the rent they pay or find another location.
The Norsk Hostfest started out as a one day event in a small civic center in downtown Minot. The entertainers were local and performed free. I have no idea what it cost to attend the earliest events but I'd bet it was $5.00 or maybe even free.
I fully expect the Norsk Hostfest will return. With new, smarter management it will survive and grow again.
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