Live Wide Open

11/03/2025

What a fun day we had in Moorhead celebrating Welcoming Week! Thank you, Inclusive Moorhead, and everyone who helped put together such a vibrant event!

10/31/2025

What does welcoming feel like?

For Simi Kasakwe-Welsch, it’s the taste of Nigerian food she shared in Glenwood, the laughter of her kids making bracelets in Starbuck, and the rhythm of Alexandria’s Global Beats & Bites.

Dive into Simi's reflections on Welcoming Week 2025 in west central Minnesota on our blog.

Thank you again to Welcoming America, Pioneer PBS, and all of the hosts who helped make Welcoming Week possible.

Simi Kasakewe-Welsch reflects on attending 2025 Welcoming Week Events in Alexandria, Glenwood, and Starbuck.

09/22/2025

🎉 One last chance to celebrate Welcoming Week!

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration hosted by MAHUBE-OTWA Community Action Partnership, Inc., is on September 24 from 12-2 p.m.

Join MAHUBE-OTWA for a meaningful celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month at its Detroit Lakes facility to honor the vibrant contributions of Minnesota’s Hispanic community.

Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine, an educational presentation on Mexican food traditions, themed decorations, and background music.

Discover the flavors, traditions, and partnerships that make our communities vibrant and strong! Visit https://wcif.org/rural-belonging/ to learn more.

09/19/2025

Head to the library to commemorate Welcoming Week on Saturday, September 20!

📝 Create Your Personal Welcoming Credo from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Fergus Falls Public Library.

Explore how to make living your values real and actionable by creating your very own “Welcoming Credo”, a personal statement of beliefs, principles, or values. Participants will reflect on how they can personally welcome immigrants and refugees. Attendees will leave with a display-worthy copy of their credo. This Welcoming Week event is hosted by the Fergus Falls Public Library and the City of Fergus Falls.

Thank you, Pioneer PBS, for sponsoring this event.

🌀 Henna Tattoos from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1 p.m.-3 p.m. at the Douglas County Library.

Get a Henna Tattoo by pharoahshenna!

Visit wcif.org/rural-belonging to learn more about Welcoming Week.

09/18/2025

Celebrate the delicious flavors of Welcoming Week on September 19 in Detroit Lakes!

🥗 New American Local Foods Celebration hosted by MANNA Food Co-op from 12-3 p.m.

Visit the new Manna location at 801 Washington Avenue in Detroit Lakes to try some delicious dishes from New American producers!

Discover the flavors, traditions, and partnerships that make our communities vibrant and strong! Visit https://wcif.org/rural-belonging/ to learn more.

09/17/2025

Celebrate culture and community on September 17 at a Welcoming Week event near you!

🌍 Global Beats & Bites, Hosted by Alexandria Technical and Community College from 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Enjoy local talents in performances, including Native American drumming, Colombian dancing, and much more at Alexandria Technical and Community College! Local restaurants will showcase cultural recipes, including food from China, Haiti, France, Mexico, the United States, and more.

🤝 Community Night Out, Hosted by Conexiones and RUSC Kinship Mentoring from 6-7:30 p.m.

Join neighbors at East Side Park in Morris for interactive family activities with local emergency response agencies, safety giveaways, live music, and ice cream.

Everyone is welcome! Thank you, Pioneer PBS, for sponsoring both of these community events.

Visit https://wcif.org/rural-belonging/ for more event details.

09/16/2025

Join a Welcoming Week celebration in Fergus Falls, Glenwood, or Wheaton on September 17!

⭐️Indigenous Games “Let the Games Begin!”, Hosted by ISD 544 Community Education from 4–7 p.m.

Enjoy a celebration of culture and community at the Otter Fieldhouse in Fergus Falls. This event features delicious food trucks, community connections, and an informative demonstration of Indigenous Games by Dr. Dan Ninham, PhD, Sports Pedagogy.

🍴The Welcome Table, Hosted by Glenwood Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, from 4-6 p.m.

Connect with neighbors in a warm, welcoming environment at Minnewaska House Brewing Co + Grill. Learn about the cultures and customs of neighbors from several countries. All community members, especially newcomers, are welcome to attend!

✨Cultures and Community Celebration, Hosted by the Chamber of Commerce Wheaton,MN, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Experience Wheaton’s welcoming spirit through a celebration of cultures, flavors, and community at Wheaton Area Schools District #803.

Visit https://wcif.org/rural-belonging/ for event details.

09/15/2025

We enjoyed the Welcoming Week event in Evansville City, Minnesota last night! We met Lyssa with the Evansville Art Center, pictured with Lion Ron Buse, the family who operates the Main Street Market, enjoyed root beer floats courtesy of My Kind of Bank - First National Bank, the ladies who served food and John and Brandon from the Evansville Community Developers! Good networking and getting to know your neighbors!

09/15/2025

Celebrate Welcoming Week in Fergus Falls and New York Mills on September 16!

🌟Head to downtown New York Mills between 4-7 p.m. for the New York Mills Service Fair hosted by the City of New York Mills and NYM Forward. Enjoy family-friendly fun, food, games, activities, and more!

🍽️ Join the Sunrise Rotary Club of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and Fergus Falls Noon Rotary for the Gathering at the River from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Spies Riverfront Pavilion. Bring a favorite dish to share and enjoy an evening of delicious food, great company, and meaningful conversation.

Everyone is welcome! Let’s come together to celebrate community, culture, and unity.

Visit https://wcif.org/rural-belonging/ for event details.

09/14/2025

🎪Share a free community meal with neighbors and enjoy learning about Grant County resources at the Grant County Get Together!

Join Grant County Collaborative on September 15 from 5-7 p.m. at Herman-Norcross Schools for activities for all ages, entertainment, and educational presentations. Come and meet your neighbors at this Welcoming Week event!

Visit wcif.org/rural-belonging for more information.