Fargo was quite the spectacle when I arrived. Rode into the center of town into a bustling farmer’s market and food truck festival with live bands jamming. It was pedestrian traffic only with streets blocked off, outdoor seating and great weather. The Fargo Air Show was underway so Blue Angels and F-22 Raptors were flying in formation overhead the city. Talk about an entrance! I envisioned something more sleepy, no doubt jaded by the movie “Fargo” starring Frances McDormand, which anecdotally was supposed to be called “Brainerd” as most of the movie was filmed in Minnesota, but the Coen brothers thought Fargo sounded “cooler”. Justin, whom I met at Caffe Bella in Park Rapids, told me I would love Fargo (the real Fargo) and that it has a personality as if your grandmother was the mayor. Well “granny” knows how to have a good time!
Before Departing Fargo Sunday morning, I intended to do a quick fly by Revival, a bohemian coffee shop that caught my eye on Saturday. I was greeted on the sidewalk by two patrons/friends of the owner Hannah, Sebastian and Enrique. As Hannah was opening up, Sebastian went to his restaurant Wurst Bier Hall next door and grabbed bananas for me. The kind gestures didn’t end there. Hannah wanted to support my trip and generously told me my espresso and protein treats were on the house. I spent the next hour learning about momentum in the local business community and what got them to Fargo. In the spirit of my fundraising journey, Sebastian and Enrique mentioned they were participating in a 38-mile, one day walkathon (yikes!) that raises money for local causes including fighting homelessness. These young entrepreneurs are all raising the bar in Fargo.
