Winter in January and February can be tough, especially with the cold weather dragging us down. But there’s a bright side: local food events! They’re the perfect way to warm up and lift your spirits, and the community seems to love getting involved.
One of the most popular winter events around here is the chili cook-off. Almost every weekend, you can find these spicy competitions at local bars. Just check their Facebook pages for updates, and you can choose which event sounds the best.
I remember attending a few at Duffy’s Tavern and the Moorhead American Legion. The format usually goes like this: competitors register, set up their crockpots, and after a few hours of judging, it’s time for the public to taste. The waiting can be tough, but I always recommend calling ahead to find out when the sampling begins.
Interestingly, judges at these competitions often have palate cleansers like crackers and gummy bears. They help reset the taste buds since some events can feature up to 35 different chilis. That’s a lot of sampling! While I’ve never judged, I imagine starting small is a good idea, just like in barbecue competitions where they say “hot and fast.” Timing is everything when it comes to chili tasting!
This year, I was at the annual chili cook-off at Swing Barrel Brewing. With its spacious area, it was easy to mingle. They had 12 competitors, and it was refreshing to see a community-focused vibe. Chef Joe Swegarden took home the “best overall” award for his beef cheek and buffalo Chili Colorado. With a resume that includes places like Heart-n-Soul Community Cafe and Blackbird Woodfire, he’s clearly a talented chef who remains down-to-earth.
Looking ahead, I plan to try a new chili cook-off at Icewind Brewing in Mapleton. Even though it’s a bit of a drive, it’s worth exploring new flavors.
Hotdish contests have also gained popularity in the last few years. The Fargo Hotdish Festival at Brewhalla is always a hit and sells out quickly—usually in under a week. I had the honor of judging this festival for two years, a fantastic experience thanks to Drekker Brewing Company.
Recently, I visited a hotdish competition at the Moorhead American Legion, where proceeds went to support veterans. Events like this not only fill your stomach but also do good in the community. I also attended the Hotdish Hoedown at the Sons of Norway, sampling a wide range of dishes, including a unique lutefisk hotdish. The Sons of Norway often hosts great food activities during winter, like brunches and live music.
Church events can be surprisingly delightful too. I recently went to a soup and pie dinner at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, which had ten homemade soups and an impressive selection of pies. All in all, it was an enjoyable evening.
Don’t forget about the Friday fish fries during Lent! Rural church events often serve hand-battered fish, which is far tastier than frozen options. A well-prepared batter contributes to that crispy texture everyone loves.
And nothing compares to the annual Kiwanis Pancake Karnival at the Fargodome, which feeds thousands in one day. This year, they served 7,000 people, with all proceeds benefiting kids in need—an incredible cause! It’s hard to beat the charm of pancakes in winter.
Another favorite local spot is the Moorhead Masonic Lodge, where you can enjoy all-you-can-eat Swedish pancakes for just $10. Perfect for brunch lovers!
The Winter Red River Market also brings together vendors during the colder months, offering a taste of summer with familiar faces from the downtown Fargo market.
Lastly, March 1 marks the opening of the Moorhead Dairy Queen, which always draws large crowds. Eating ice cream outdoors in the cold can be surprisingly pleasant—it doesn’t melt as quickly! And let’s not forget about meat raffles, where you can win all sorts of frozen meats through fun games. It’s an exciting way to spend a night with friends.
Whether you’re into chili, hotdish, or pancakes, there’s no shortage of fun winter food events here. They bring us together, support local causes, and create memorable experiences. Exploring these gatherings is a great way to stay engaged in the community and enjoy some good eats.
Rick Gion runs a Facebook group called “Fargo-Moorhead Eats” with over 45,000 followers. Join to share your culinary adventures! Rick is also a guest on Prairie Public Radio’s “Prairie Plates” every Wednesday.
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