Summer Tuesdays are special in Moorhead, especially for children. On five nights each year, RiverArts draws hundreds of families, along with a good share of intrigued adults, to Memorial Park north of the Center Mall for an evening of old-fashioned outdoor fun.
This week was no exception. The second of five RiverArts events planned for 2021 brought gentle excitement to the park along the Red River. This evening’s schedule featured not only the regular free carriage rides provided by Rusty K Ranch of Davenport, North Dakota, but also barrel rides carrying kids along a course on the hillside. Singer Rick Adams also drew a crowd that included both new and old fans.
Some old favorites are also back. The Moorhead Midday Lions Club is on hand with hot dogs, brats, chips and beverages. Games To Go brings its inflatable games. A variety of yard games help pass the time of day, including giant Jenga, giant checkers, beanbag tosses and more. Most events are free. Private vendors are also welcome to take part in one or all dates.
According to recreation specialist Trevor Magnuson of Moorhead Parks and Recreation, RiverArts has become a summer staple since its inception in 2003. It has moved around several times, but never fails to attract an enthusiastic crowd. “This year it seems like it’s even a little more popular,” he said. “After Covid, everyone is excited about getting out and having a good time with other people.”
Three more RiverArts dates are coming up, all from 5:30 to 8 p.m.:
* July 13: Varying Degrees Trio and photo booth (Special Edition at Woodlawn Park).
* July 27: Mick Klein and fishing clinic.
* Aug. 10: Front Fenders and Nature of the North.
Moorhead Farmers Market
Another Tuesday attraction is the Parks Department’s weekly farmers market, held from 3 to 6 p.m. through September in the parking lot of Ace Hardware.
“The produce vendors will really get going in July,” Magnuson predicts. While veggies are still scarce with gardens are a few weeks away from harvest, though, the market includes vendors offering a variety of homemade merchandise. Kreps Family Farms brings its baked goods, jellies, jams and salsas. A local honey producer starts in July. Others sell handcrafted ceramics and woodworking, plants, herbs and homemade dog treats.
SNAP benefits are accepted by produce vendors and can be doubled up to $10 with the Parks Department’s “market bucks.” The Moorhead Farmers Market also participates in the Power of Produce Club for kids and seniors. Essentia Health contributes to both programs that encourage healthy eating.
Magnuson says more vendors are always welcome. To sign up for the market, call him at 218.299.5296 or email trevor.magnuson@cityofmoorhead.com
