On Saturday, the Bismarck Event Center buzzed with activity as the Deer Widows Vendor Show marked a decade of community‑focused shopping and charity. The event, timed to kick off North Dakota’s deer gun season, featured 80 vendors, inflatables, live music, and a new interactive photo booth.
Origins and growth
Organizer Rachael Howard, owner of 3andME Coffee and Boutique Catering in Bismarck’s Gateway Mall, recalled how the show began ten years ago in a modest Victorian house when her coffee shop first opened. “It was really small at the start, just a way to get the community together,” Howard said. “We’ve always stuck with that community focus and highlighted the awesome local vendors.” Over the years the show has expanded, but the original mission remains unchanged.
Charitable partnership
Each year the Deer Widows Vendor Show partners with a local nonprofit. This year the partnership was with the Cystic Fibrosis Association of North Dakota, the organization that runs the annual Turkey Trot Thanksgiving morning. Executive Director Joe Kambeitz noted the collaboration’s longevity, saying, “This is our 37th year working together, and we’re grateful for the support the event provides.” Admission was free; attendees were encouraged to make a voluntary donation to aid the fight against cystic fibrosis.
Family‑friendly attractions
Beyond the vendor booths, the event offered family‑friendly attractions. The first 100 people in line received a chance to win $100 in “deer bucks,” a voucher that could be spent at any of the participating vendors. Kids enjoyed inflatables and live music added a festive backdrop for shoppers of all ages.
Local economic impact
By bringing together a wide array of local businesses—from handmade crafts to specialty foods—the show provides a valuable platform for entrepreneurs to reach new customers. Howard emphasized that the event not only supports vendors but also reinforces Bismarck’s reputation as a hub for small‑business innovation and community spirit.
Looking ahead
As the Deer Widows Vendor Show looks to its next decade, organizers plan to keep the event rooted in community values while exploring new ways to give back. “We’re okay with growing, but we’ll always stay true to the community focus that started it all,” Howard said.
The Deer Widows Vendor Show is open to the public throughout the deer gun season weekend, offering a unique blend of shopping, entertainment, and charitable giving for Bismarck residents and visitors alike.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
