Exhibitors wrapped up 2019’s North Central Dakota Ag Show at the Rugby Armory last Friday, and organizers called it a success.

Attendees were undaunted by the below-zero temperatures, exiting their vehicles in the icy parking lot and scurrying inside the building, where representatives from about 40 different agriculture and financial service companies greeted them with warm smiles.

Event organizer Lila Harstad of Rugby Broadcasters said the weather affected the turnout “maybe a little, but all the exhibitors felt like the quality of people who were here, and the quality leads they had one-on-one was really important.”

“There were probably 15 or 20 people in the sessions we had with (financial planners) Tommy Grisafi and Chris Moyers, and a lot of the people felt happy with the response that they got from the people that were there.”

Harstad said the representatives manning the booths at the show received “quality leads” for future business.

“You know, you could have 500 people, and only 1 lead, or 20 and have 3, so they were happy,” Harstad continued.

“A couple of the (participants) who were here this year said they definitely want to come back next year, so that’s a good sign,” she added.

Following the event, Levi Heisler of North Central Ag hosted a social hour at the Rugby Eagles. The Rugby Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors’ Bureau hosted a supper for area farmers in the Eagles’ dining room.

Darylanna Durkee of the Rugby Chamber described the event as “really successful”.

Durkee said although a comedian from Minneapolis who was scheduled to entertain the crowd cancelled due to road conditions, local musician Josh Dockter filled in.

“He plays the guitar, and he did an acoustic set for us, and that worked out really well to have a local guy come in and help us out with the entertainment, and everyone really enjoyed that,” Durkee noted. “So, it worked out the way it was supposed to.”

Durkee said the Chamber plans to host another supper after next year’s North Central Dakota Ag Show.

“We always like to show our appreciation for those in the agriculture business,” Durkee said. “They’re showing their support for our town, and we want to show support for them after the ag show that the Rugby Broadcasters does.”