The atmosphere at the Pride of Dakota Holiday Showcase brought out a fresh, North Dakotan feel for last year's 8,000 customers, according to a vendor.

"The vendors gave the showcase a homemade enjoyment for everyone," said Mary Thompson, a vendor from Bismarck.

The showcase is a retail show run by the Department of Agriculture that features North Dakota products from numerous Pride of Dakota members. There are 430 members of Pride of Dakota.

"This year, we are showcasing 193 booths, which has exceeded last year's show to make this one the biggest ever," said Sara Kelsch from the Deptartment of Agriculture.

Everything from gourmet food to clothing and Christmas decorations will be on display.

Thompson from Prairie Coffee Roasters, Bismarck, comes every year to spotlight her gourmet coffee.

"This is a good show for all North Dakota products. Each year there's something new, and I just think, wow!" Thompson said.

Thompson keeps bringing her company to the showcase because of the people that come.

"It's great exposure," Thompson said, "and the customers are great."

Another vendor, B.J. Wall, has brought her business, Craft World & More ND, to the showcase almost every year.

"Pride of Dakota is very recognizable, and all the North Dakota products keep attracting more and more customers," said Wall, Bismarck.

Along with North Dakota products, this year the showcase also is bringing in live entertainment.

On Saturday, the Mandan Just for Kix dance team will be performing, along with Courtney Smith, a Pride of Dakota member who will be singing. On Sunday, Smith will be singing again followed by the Bismarck Just for Kix dancers.

The holiday showcase will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.in the Exhibition Hall of the Bismarck Civic Center on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. It is open to the public with a $2 admission fee. Children 12 years and younger get in for free.

"The Pride of Dakota Holiday Showcase just shows how much North Dakota has to offer," Thompson said.

(Megan Nitschke is a senior at Mandan High School)