Daniel Sauerwein

The end of April sees North Dakota firmly into the spring season. Winter’s grip is largely absent, and the excitement of warmer weather and planting gardens brings optimism and happiness. Still, the weather sometimes has a few surprises for the region.

April is a time of optimism as the region thaws, and thoughts turn to planting and warmer weather. However, it’s also a deceptive time, as the last gasps of winter can still wreak havoc, surprising those who believe the snow is finished. March and April storms have earned their place in residents' memories, like the March 1966 blizzard. But the 1997 blizzard, named “Hannah” by the Grand Forks Herald, came with an intensity and consequences that belied its innocent name.

Winter in North Dakota can be challenging, but it also offers great experiences and traditions. Today’s datebook joins the celebration of winter with Vinterfest, in partnership with the Northern Plains National Heritage Area and the Sons of Norway Sverdrup, during January and February.

The middle of December, the people of North Dakota are filled with anticipation for Christmas and the New Year. With winter in control, opportunities for recreation help people face the cold and longer nights. Winter sports are a wonderful pastime in North Dakota.

On September 17, 1787, one hundred and two years before statehood, the North Dakota area was part of British and Spanish territories. The United States Constitution was signed in Philadelphia, marking the beginning of the ratification process. Called Constitution Day, the anniversary would be commemorated by North Dakota governors, well before it was federally recognized.

North Dakota’s political history is marked by several people who left their legacy on the state and the nation through years of service in elected office. Quentin Burdick and Mark Andrews are two such examples, but serving between them was Hjalmar Nygaard, whose legacy was cut short before he could achieve similar status.

Mid-March brings two things to North Dakota: blizzards and basketball tournaments. Tournament time brings both happiness and heartache, as teams from across the state vie to be crowned champions.

Winter in North Dakota can be a challenge, but it can also offer great experiences and traditions. This month we’re sharing a few special Dakota Datebooks as part of Vinterfest, in conjunction with the Northern Plains National Heritage Area and Sons of Norway Sverdrup Lodge.

Thousands of Union veterans of the Civil War settled in North Dakota after the war, some becoming the prominent leaders in their communities. Their military service entitled them to money from the federal government in the form of a pension that paid a monthly stipend if they were rendered “totally disabled” and unable to perform manual labor. But this benefit had evolved in the years following the war.

North Dakota has a rich baseball history. Legends of the game, including Roger Maris and Satchel Paige, have a connection to the state.