FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Johnathan Campbell
March 12, 2008
(701) 328-9528

ARTHUR A. LINK FIDDLE CONTEST WINNERS CONCERT, RECEPTION
AT FORMER GOVERNORS’ MANSION SITE IN BISMARCK 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 is family friendly and violin students from across North Dakota are invited to participate in this event. The entry deadline is this Friday, March 14.  For information on competing, contact Lynn Clancy at lnjclancy@bis.midco.net or (701) 214-9413.

The contest will take place March 24 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Former Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site in Bismarck and is open to the public that day starting at 10 a.m.  A concert featuring the top three performers from the contest will take place at 6 p.m.  Roswell Henke of Bismarck will be the master of ceremonies for the event.  Following the concert, at 7 p.m. a reception will take place, with coffee, tea and treats served.

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: 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.

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