FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lynn Clancy
January 22, 2008
(701) 214-9413

RESCHEDULING OF GOVERNOR ARTHUR A. LINK FIDDLE CONTEST
AT FORMER GOVERNORS’ MANSION SITE; NOW SET FOR MARCH 24

BISMARCK – The Society for the Preservation of the Former Governors’ Mansion will be holding the first annual Governor Arthur A. Link Fiddle Contest Monday, March 24.  The contest was originally planned for February 18. 

Violin students from across North Dakota are invited to participate in this event, which honors former Governor Arthur A. Link, who served as the state’s 27th governor from 1973 to 1981.  Link, 93, is an accomplished fiddle player, and along with his wife Grace has supported the Former Governors’ Mansion for over 30 years.  In 1975, then-Governor Link signed legislation which preserved the Governors’ Mansion as a state historic site.  Link for many years played the fiddle at the Annual Lawn Party held each summer at the Former Governors’ Mansion.

Elementary students and secondary students from across the state interested in competing in the contest should contact the Society for the Preservation of the Former Governors’ Mansion at lnjclancy@bis.midco.net or (701) 214-9413 to obtain an application form.  The application deadline is Friday, March 14.  In addition to the application, a $20 entry fee is required along with a letter of recommendation from an instructor, teacher or character witness.  Cash scholarships and a certificate will be provided to the persons chosen by the panel of judges for recognition: $500 for first place, $300 for second place and $200 for third place.

The Former Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site is open year-round. Its winter hours, now in place through May 15, are the second Friday and Saturday of each month, from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free.  Here are the Fridays and Saturdays for each month the site will be open to visitors through the winter hours’ schedule: January 12-13, February 9-10, March 9-10, April 13-14, and May 11-12.  Groups are welcome to schedule a visit to the Former Governors’ Mansion at times other than its regular open hours by calling (701) 328-9528 or email at jcampbell@nd.gov.

The site consists of a large two and one-half story, restored Victorian house, and the restored 1903 carriage house. Built in 1884, it housed 20 chief executives of North Dakota between 1893 and 1960. Unique exhibits feature the restoration process, architectural style changes and furniture used by several governors. The beautiful grounds feature many examples of the types of flowers typical of the Victorian era.  For schedule information, contact the State Historical Society at (701) 328-2666 or visit the agency’s web site at www.nd.gov/hist.

– 30 –