In 1893, the city of Fargo was nearly destroyed by the Great Fargo Fire. The fire started in the 500 block of Main Avenue (then called Front Street) and decimated the primarily wooden structures of Fargo.

The city was rebuilt, and in 1895 the first Fargo Fire Festival was held to celebrate the city's renewal. The event was held every year, growing bigger and better, until it was discontinued during World War I. A one-time 40th anniversary event was held in 1933.

The Great Fargo Fire is a little-known story today... a shame considering interesting and heroic stories that should be told. Now and then a fire-related story will pop up in the news, but they're passing stories and don't do the event justice.

It is time for a return of The Fargo Fire Festival. Set up walking tours of downtown, complete with blown-up photos of the fire's devastation. Highlight landmarks which survived, where the fire started, etc... Organize concerts (Firehouse? Earth, Wind, and Fire?), and fire-related events. Conduct hottest chili and buffalo wings competitions. Hold fire fighter competitions between area communities. Put on street dances downtown with fire-breathing street performers, etc... Hold kids races for the 'key to the fire alarm box' -- one factor that actually contributed to the slow response to the Fargo Fire.

Encourage area businesses to participate and spread the word.