FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Johnathan Campbell
March 4, 2008
(701) 328-9528

MARCH 14 DEADLINE APPROACHING
TO REGISTER FOR ARTHUR A. LINK FIDDLE CONTEST

BISMARCK –The Society for the Preservation of the Former Governors’ Mansion (SPFGM) wishes to honor former Governor Arthur A. and Mrs. Grace Link for their dedication and accomplishments regarding the preservation of the Former Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site in Bismarck.  Because of the former Governor’s lifelong interest in fiddle playing, the SPFGM has instituted the Governor Arthur A. Link Fiddle Contest to encourage elementary and secondary students of the violin and provide cash scholarships to outstanding performers of fiddle music.  The contest will be held Monday, March 24 at the Former Governors’ Mansion.

Although the Links never lived in the mansion, their relationship with the house stretches back over 50 years.  Both have given countless hours for the betterment of the mansion. They have been active in raising funds for restoration projects, such as the iron fence around the property and the refurbishing of the grand piano.  Art Link for many years played fiddle at the Annual Lawn Party in August and still enjoys greeting visitors at the Annual Holiday Open House.  Grace Link has hosted teas at the mansion for a number of years, telling stories of her life and times with Art.

After serving for more than 30 years, former Governor Link stepped down from the SPFGM board in 2007. Mrs. Link continues to actively serve on the board.

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 is family friendly and violin students from across North Dakota are invited to participate in this event.

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. In addition to the application, a $20 entry fee is required along with a letter of recommendation from an instructor, teacher or character witness. Entry fee for the second and third contestant from the same family is $10 each, with a cap of $40 per family in the event of additional applicants. 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 entry deadline is March 14.

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: 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 –