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FM Scoop: Battle of the Badges
Santa Village Opens, Holiday Lights at the Fairgrounds, Coach of the Year
TOGETHER WITH
Weather Forecast
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
☁️ 27°F | Cloudy | High: 27°F, Low: 1°F
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
☀️ 18°F | Sunny | High: 18°F, Low: -5°F
Thursday, December 4, 2025
☁️ 23°F | Cloudy | High: 23°F, Low: -7°F
Good morning, Fargo-Moorhead! It’s Tuesday, and the week is just getting started! Whether you’re making plans to soak up the last bit of summer or just looking forward to some downtime, we’ve got all the local buzz to get you ready!
In today’s FM Scoop:
Santa Village Opens
Holiday Lights at the Fairgrounds
Coach of the Year
"Here we go!"
Sponsored by Acapella Express
Acapella Express Presents: 70 Years of Harmony
Acapella Express, an award-winning Sweet Adelines International women's barbershop chorus, is celebrating its 70th Anniversary with a concert on Saturday, December 6th at 3pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, MN.
🎶 We are proud to have sung for the Fargo-Moorhead community at sporting events, corporate events, nursing homes, shopping centers, holiday events, veteran’s honor events, and much more.
🏆 Acapella Express has earned many awards over the years, most recently earning Third Place Small Chorus, 4th Place Overall and Most Improved Chorus at our 2025 Sweet Adelines Regional Chorus Competition.
We will be showcasing all of this and more at our 70th Anniversary celebration. Entry is a free will donation to Acapella Express. Join us as we take a look back on our rich and rewarding 70 years in the Fargo-Moorhead community and beyond.
For more information visit our website: acapellaexpress.com
Check us out on Facebook here
Contact Us: [email protected]
Interested in featuring your business in our next ad spot? ⬆️ Fill out THIS FORM!
Scoops of the Day
Santa Village Welcomes the Holiday Crowd 🎄
Santa Village at Rheault Farm is officially open for the season, kicking off another year of cozy Christmas traditions for Fargo-Moorhead families. The Fargo Park District’s annual attraction drew a steady stream of visitors on opening day, with kids lining up for cookie decorating, horse-drawn carriage rides, and their big moment with Santa. Mrs. Claus shared that the nonstop flow of little ones made the day especially heartwarming, especially getting to read stories and chat with children about their Christmas wishes.
The festive village will now be open every weekend through December 21, giving families plenty of chances to soak in the holiday magic and create new memories. For more details, read the full article here.
Holiday Lights Shine Bright at the Fairgrounds ✨
The Red River Valley Fairgrounds have flipped the switch on one of the area’s biggest holiday attractions, and this year’s display is the brightest yet. The mile-and-a-half drive-through route features an expanded collection of lighted scenes, including four new tunnels that add an extra dose of sparkle. Non-profit and youth groups are also helping run the event, earning a share of nightly proceeds, which adds a meaningful community touch.
Organizers say visitors can expect plenty of fresh displays and a festive atmosphere perfect for an evening drive. Holiday Lights at the Fairgrounds is open daily through December 31, with the exception of Christmas Day, and admission is $25 per car. For more details, read the full article here.
Polasek Named MVFC Coach of the Year After Perfect Season 🏆
North Dakota State’s football dominance continues, and this week brought another major accolade: Head coach Tim Polasek has been named the Missouri Valley Football Conference Coach of the Year. In just his second season leading the Bison, Polasek has guided the team to a flawless 12-0 record and a second straight MVFC title, becoming only the fourth NDSU coach to earn this honor. The recognition comes alongside a school-record 17 players landing on All-MVFC teams, further highlighting the depth and balance of this year’s squad.
Ten Bison secured first-team All-MVFC spots, including standout performers like Bryce Lance, Logan Kopp, Barika Kpeenu, and Eli Ozick. Another seven players earned second-team recognition, and three more received honorable mentions, showcasing NDSU’s widespread talent across both sides of the ball. With momentum on their side, the Bison now shift focus to the postseason as they prepare to host #17 Illinois State in the second round of the NCAA FCS Championships, a rematch of NDSU’s earlier 33-16 win. For more details, read the full article here.
The stories featured in FM Scoop are summarized with the assistance of AI and reviewed for accuracy. We do not claim credit for the original reporting. Our goal is to keep you informed about the latest happenings in the Fargo-Moorhead area while respecting the work of local journalists. For the full articles and details, please follow the provided links.
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A Swirl of Events
(Concerts, Community Events, Local Markets, Etc.)
Tuesday
Broadway Square Community Tree Lighting ⭐ - Celebrate the start of the season as Broadway Square brings downtown Fargo to life with the lighting of its towering 32-foot community tree. Guests can enjoy live performances, tasty treats, and festive activities for all ages, making it a perfect night to bundle up and share a little winter magic. The SCHEELS Skating Rink and Skate Shack will also open for the season during the event, with regular hours beginning the following day. This free celebration invites everyone to gather, enjoy the lights, and welcome the holidays together.
Happy Crafty Hour at Brewhalla 🎨 - Unwind with a drink and get creative during Happy Crafty Hour at Brewhalla, where the Unglued Craftatorium hosts drop-in crafting sessions every Tuesday. This week’s project is a “Holiday Cozy Vibes” self-care kit, offering options like affirmation candles, journals, coasters, and more, all guided by Artist Nichole Rae. For just five dollars, guests can craft to their heart’s content, and in honor of Giving Tuesday, you can make an extra kit to donate to the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center. A donation drive for RACC will also be taking place, with contributors receiving an Unglued coupon. It’s a relaxed, adults-only craft night that pairs perfectly with a drink and some DIY fun.
Holiday Candle-Making Workshop🕯️ - Get into the festive spirit with a hands-on candle-making experience at Smells Like Home Candle Co. Guided by expert Sandy, participants will craft their own 16 oz ceramic tree soy wax candle, choosing from a variety of signature holiday scents. All supplies are provided, and no prior experience is needed, making it perfect for beginners or seasoned crafters alike.
While your candle sets, enjoy a cozy atmosphere with games, mingling, and optional mini charcuterie board instruction for a small additional fee. This workshop is ideal for creating a personalized gift or adding a warm, seasonal touch to your own home.
Wednesday
Financial Literacy Class by KodaBank 💡 - Learn the essentials of personal finance at this free community class presented by KodaBank. Attendees will get a practical introduction to key topics like banking basics, writing checks, understanding credit scores, navigating credit and debit cards, and the steps involved in buying a car or home. It’s a welcoming, educational session designed for anyone looking to build confidence and clarity around their money. Space is limited, so early sign-up is encouraged for those eager to strengthen their financial foundation.
Annual Christmas Craft Drive-Thru 🍪 - Celebrate the season without leaving your car at this festive drive-thru event! Guests will receive hot cocoa, sugar cookies, a Christmas crafting bag for kids, and a gingerbread house for every car. Participants can also join the Annual Gingerbread House Contest, with rules provided at the event and online. Cruise by the west side of the building at Door 8 to pick up all the holiday goodies and spread some seasonal cheer!
Thursday
Light Up The Night Holiday Tree Lighting 🎄 - Kick off the holiday season with an evening full of festive cheer as the community gathers for the annual tree lighting. Guests can enjoy holiday music, special appearances, and free hot chocolate while supplies last. Kids will have plenty to do with on-site crafts and the chance to write a heartfelt letter to Santa before dropping it into the North Pole mailbox. It’s a cozy way to welcome the magic of the season with friends, family, and neighbors!
JINGLE Christmas Bar 🎁 - Step into a festive wonderland as JINGLE Christmas Bar returns bigger and brighter than ever for a limited five-night holiday celebration. Guests can enjoy themed cocktails and mocktails, fun photo ops, and a lively Christmas atmosphere perfect for a night out with friends. Reservations include a 90-minute experience, and walk-ins are welcome when space allows. This year’s event features an expanded first-floor setup with more seating and brand-new drink creations, plus a live performance from Piano Man Eden Parker on December 4 to keep the holiday vibes going.
Snowperson Candy Dish Clay Class ⛄ - Add a festive touch to your home with this hands-on clay workshop, where students will create a charming snowperson candy dish. Young artists will learn key clay techniques like making pinch pots and attaching pieces, all while crafting a fun and functional holiday keepsake. Perfect for displaying or filling with treats, this project is sure to bring seasonal cheer year after year!
For all the details on these events, be sure to click the hyperlinked event titles.
Rest assured, nothing in this section is sponsored. We'll always be transparent and let you know when something is.
A Sundae of Giving
Battle of the Badges Skates Into Scheels Arena 🏒
Local first responders are gearing up for some friendly competition as the second annual Battle of the Badges hockey game returns to Scheels Arena on December 7. The Fargo Force and Hometown Heroes Committee are hosting the charity matchup, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and puck drop at 6:30 p.m. Last year’s event drew more than 700 fans and raised an impressive $17,000 for the Hometown Heroes Fund, and organizers are hoping for an even bigger turnout this time around.
Fans can expect three fast-paced periods, custom jerseys worn by players from multiple departments, and plenty of ways to support the cause. The jerseys will be auctioned online, raffle tickets and apparel will be available, and Brewtus Brickhouse is donating 10% of sales from the same day to help boost fundraising efforts. All proceeds support lifesaving equipment and training for emergency services in Cass and Clay counties. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for kids 12 and under, and the game will also be broadcast on Valley News Live for those watching from home. For more details, read the full article here.
The stories featured in FM Scoop are summarized with the assistance of AI and reviewed for accuracy. We do not claim credit for the original reporting. Our goal is to keep you informed about the latest happenings in the Fargo-Moorhead area while respecting the work of local journalists. For the full articles and details, please follow the provided links.
The Evening Delights
(Trivia, Music, Bingo, Comedy, Etc.)
Tuesday
Bluegrass Jam | Sons of Norway Lodge | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Comedy | The Aquarium | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Trivia | Front Street Taproom | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Trivia | Saloon 95 | 7:30 pm
Karaoke | Dempseys | 9:00 pm - 2:00 am
Wednesday
Bingo | Dempseys | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Bingo | Lucky 13 | 7:00 pm
General Knowledge Trivia | Lucky 13 | 7:00 pm
Comedy | Front Street Taproom | 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Thursday
Bingo | Dempseys | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Music | The Aquarium | 7:00 pm - 11:30 pm
King Sage | 701 Eateries | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
October Road | The Windbreak | 9:00 pm
For the latest updates and any last-minute changes, click the event links hyperlinked in the titles.
Rest assured, nothing in this section is sponsored. We'll always be transparent and let you know when something is.
See You Next Scoop!
Thanks for spending time with us today! We hope the FM Scoop kept you in the loop and feeling inspired. Spread the word, and don’t miss out—there’s more coming your way in our next edition!