Community Calendar

The Moorhead Eastern Star is hosting a book sale on May 15 from 8-5 pm and May 16 from 8-4 pm at the Moorhead Masonic Family Center, 1815 11th St N Moorhead. Come and get a new book.

Traill County Arts Coalition set to exhibit the artwork of late Hillsboro artist John Carroll Pederson (1928-2025) April 16th – May 16th at “The Arts House” in Hillsboro, ND.

Hillsboro, ND – April 9th, 2026

The Traill County Arts Coalition will exhibit the work of the late Hillsboro artist John Carroll Pederson (1928-2025) April 16th- May 16th at “The Arts House” in Hillsboro, ND. The exhibit will feature a selection of Pederson’s work that will be for sale through silent auction during the exhibit. Proceeds from the auction will go towards an arts scholarship in John’s name.
John Carroll Pederson (1928-2025), a self-taught artist from Hillsboro, North Dakota, was a man whose life revolved around his passions for drawing and painting. From a young age, he was deeply inspired by the "homespun American life" depicted on Norman Rockwell's Saturday Evening Post covers. This admiration led to a defining moment in his life: a pilgrimage to Rockwell's home in Massachusetts, where he was welcomed as a guest and learned from the famous artist. John considered this week a high point of his life.
John's career was a tapestry of artistic pursuits. After serving in the Army, where he did some illustration work, he spent 15 years at Dakota Photo Engraving Co. in Fargo. He also applied his artistic skills to commercial work, painting billboard signs along I-29 and creating logos and nameplates for local newspapers. Around 1971, he began making a living as a full-time painter and taught adult education classes in Hillsboro. His fine art subjects were diverse, ranging from Abraham Lincoln and old comedians to airplanes and local Red River Valley landscapes.
“An Art-Filled Future” Artworks by John C. Pederson
April 16th – May 16th, 2026
Showings by Appointment Only
Open Houses: April 16th 10:00am-5:00pm
May 16th Reception 2:00pm – 4:00pm with Bidding Closing at 5:00pm

For More information contact:
Eric A. Johnson
Phone: 701-799-6518
Email: tcac701@gmail.com
Website: www.TraillCountyArts.com

Blast off into learning at Mission to the Moon Preschool Discovery Hour! Little learners will explore planets, the moon, and stars through hands-on science, sensory play, and creative discovery.

Activities Include:
Be an astronaut!
Moon rocks and rockets
Creating constellations
and more!

May 13 & 16 | 9:00 to 9:45 AM at North Dakota’s Gateway to Science
Free Program | Best for ages 3–5

Please note: Special groups require prior booking.

Traill County Arts Coalition set to exhibit the artwork of late Hillsboro artist John Carroll Pederson (1928-2025) April 16th – May 16th at “The Arts House” in Hillsboro, ND.

Hillsboro, ND – April 9th, 2026

The Traill County Arts Coalition will exhibit the work of the late Hillsboro artist John Carroll Pederson (1928-2025) April 16th- May 16th at “The Arts House” in Hillsboro, ND. The exhibit will feature a selection of Pederson’s work that will be for sale through silent auction during the exhibit. Proceeds from the auction will go towards an arts scholarship in John’s name.
John Carroll Pederson (1928-2025), a self-taught artist from Hillsboro, North Dakota, was a man whose life revolved around his passions for drawing and painting. From a young age, he was deeply inspired by the "homespun American life" depicted on Norman Rockwell's Saturday Evening Post covers. This admiration led to a defining moment in his life: a pilgrimage to Rockwell's home in Massachusetts, where he was welcomed as a guest and learned from the famous artist. John considered this week a high point of his life.
John's career was a tapestry of artistic pursuits. After serving in the Army, where he did some illustration work, he spent 15 years at Dakota Photo Engraving Co. in Fargo. He also applied his artistic skills to commercial work, painting billboard signs along I-29 and creating logos and nameplates for local newspapers. Around 1971, he began making a living as a full-time painter and taught adult education classes in Hillsboro. His fine art subjects were diverse, ranging from Abraham Lincoln and old comedians to airplanes and local Red River Valley landscapes.
“An Art-Filled Future” Artworks by John C. Pederson
April 16th – May 16th, 2026
Showings by Appointment Only
Open Houses: April 16th 10:00am-5:00pm
May 16th Reception 2:00pm – 4:00pm with Bidding Closing at 5:00pm

For More information contact:
Eric A. Johnson
Phone: 701-799-6518
Email: tcac701@gmail.com
Website: www.TraillCountyArts.com

Join us in West Fargo for a spring farmers market!

Shop from over 30+ local vendors including hot food, bakery, pantry items, household goods, art, and more.

Entertainment Schedule:
10am-11:30pm - Anthony Chaput
12:00pm-12:30pm - Small Change
12:30pm-1:00pm - Stage West preview of Mean Girls
1:00pm-2:00pm - Small Change

We accept SNAP/EBT and match up to $15 per person!

More information at www.redriver.market
This event is presented by Bobcat. Learn more about them at www.bobcat.com.

Come to the vendor & craft show and support small businesses. The show will be from 11-3 and lunch will be served from 11-1. It all takes place at the Fargo Masonic Center, 1405 3rd St N Fargo. If you want to be a vendor, send an email to fargomasoniccenter@gmail.com

Pembina State Museum is hosting free, family-friendly programs on Saturdays in May to share the games and skills that shaped the history of the region. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

May 16, Games of Pembina’s Past: Dice Games, 1-4 p.m. Dice games were once vital for social interactions and trade. Learn more about the history of dice and try some of the games played in Pembina.
May 23, The Little Grove and Summer Hours Grand Opening, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Join us all day to inaugurate the Little Grove, our new play space for children ages 2 to 5.
May 30, Arrows and Atlatls, 1-4 p.m. Learn about the tools prehistoric hunters used to survive and thrive on the prairies. Test your skills with targets, bows, arrows, and spear-throwers on the back lawn.

These events are part of the ND250 commemoration celebrating our country’s 250th birthday.
The Pembina State Museum, located at 805 Highway 59, Pembina, is managed by the State Historical Society of North Dakota. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and will be open daily May 23-Sept. 7, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, contact Outreach Coordinator Brian Hardy, shspembina@nd.gov or 701.825.6840. Find upcoming events sponsored by the State Historical Society at history.nd.gov/events or call 701.328.2666.

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Human trafficking is real, and it happens in North Dakota. The professionals, agencies, and community members responding to this crisis face complex challenges: educating the public, apprehending offenders, supporting survivors, and advancing prevention. The 6th Annual 31:8 Project Human Trafficking Summit convenes experts and frontline voices to share knowledge, practical strategies, and pathways for coordinated action.

Keynotes, focused breakout sessions, and panel discussions addressing sex and labor trafficking, sexual exploitation, survivor-centered care, investigative best practices, prevention, and more.

Speakers include law enforcement, healthcare professionals, human service providers, and survivors offering insight and real-world experience.

Continuing Education (CE) credit and hours available for professionals.

Open to the public; due to the sensitive subject matter, discretion is advised. 18+ age required.

Who should attend
Medical professionals, faith leaders, law enforcement, human service providers, hospitality and business staff, parents and guardians, educators, service clubs, government officials, and community organizers—anyone committed to making North Dakota safer and more resilient.

Why attend
Attendees will leave with up-to-date information on emerging trends, concrete prevention strategies, and survivor-focused resources. The Summit creates space for cross-sector collaboration so communities can build stronger networks, improve public safety, and implement locally relevant solutions that protect vulnerable people and support survivors in their recovery.

Take action
Join community leaders and concerned citizens from across North Dakota. Register today and contact marketing@318project.org for assistance.

GROUP PRICING
Groups of 5-9 is 10% off current ticket price.

Groups of 10+ is 15% off current ticket price.

Contact 31:8 Project for more information and custom promo discount code.

A weekly seminar for divorced, widowed or separated participants to learn to rebuild their lives after the loss of a love relationship. It discusses rebuilding blocks related to the loss and help to provide an understanding of the past relationship and moving forward in a healthy way. Based on a study guide by Dr. Bruce Fisher

The public is invited to the 6th Infantry Living History Encampment and annual flag raising Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fort Buford State Historic Site near Williston. The free event is open to all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult.
The weekend centers on the site’s annual flag raising, a tradition marking the start of the tourism season and honoring soldiers who served on the northern Plains.

In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, the 6th Infantry Regimental Association is moving its traditional July encampment to May to better reflect Fort Buford’s role as a key supply and staging base for the U.S. Army during the 1876 campaign season.
“This program allows us to place Fort Buford in its proper historical context during the Little Bighorn Campaign, one of the most significant military campaigns in Western history,” said 6th Infantry Board Member Brandon Delvo.

Living historians will demonstrate how soldiers prepared for the frontier campaign, including packing supplies, organizing equipment, and issuing rations and gear. Interpretive talks will highlight the logistics that supported military operations across the northern Plains.
“This event brings Fort Buford’s history to life in a real, tangible way,” said Site Supervisor Cheyenne Teal. “Helping visitors see the fort’s role in the larger military story fosters a meaningful connection to the people who lived and served here.”

Event Schedule (subject to change):
Saturday, May 23
• 9 a.m. – Roll Call and Morning Parade
• 11 a.m. – Marching and Rifle Drill
• Noon – Flag Raising
• 1:30 p.m. – Barracks Inspection
• 2 p.m. – Campaign Supply & Equipment Demonstration
• 2:30 p.m. – Army Laundress Demonstration
• 4 p.m. – Mail Call
Sunday, May 24
• 9 a.m. – Morning Colors and Morning Parade
• Noon – Flag Raising

This event is part of the ND250 commemoration celebrating our country’s 250th birthday.

Fort Buford State Historic Site was one of several military posts established to protect overland and river routes used by immigrants settling the West. It operated from 1866 to 1895 and is probably best known as the place where Hunkpapa Lakota leader Sitting Bull relinquished his rifle to the U.S. government in 1881.
Fort Buford State Historic Site and the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center are managed by the State Historical Society of North Dakota. The Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and closed Sunday-Monday. Fort Buford is closed for the season. Summer hours begin May 1, with both locations open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Sept. 30. For more information, contact Outreach Coordinator Nicholas Kusnierek, shsbuford@nd.gov or 701.572.9034. All times listed are Central time. Find information about upcoming programs of the State Historical Society at history.nd.gov/events.

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