Project 412 Magazine - Winter 2025-26

Imagine. Inspire. Connect.

Celebrating artistic & entrepreneurial innovation in & around Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

WINTER 2025-26

Welcome Project 412 was created with the dream of making Detroit Lakes and the surrounding 412 Lakes Area an even better community by making waves and thinking outside the box with amazing ideas. We know communities thrive when they invest in themselves and are always innovating, taking risks, and striving to become better.

Our mission is to connect and elevate the cultural and economic vibrancy of the lakes area. Think of Project 412 as a catalyst, cheerleader, and connector to encourage local business and community growth through projects, events, ideas, public art, and more!

Simply…we want to Do Cool Stuff! #DCS

2

Inside Trolls in DL......................................... 4 World’s Greatest Places................. 5 Public Art............................................. 6 Live Music........................................... 8 Entrepreneurial Support............... 10 Colors & Shapes............................... 12 Of The Earth...................................... 14 Bikes to Bigfoot................................. 16 Year in Review................................... 18 Are You One of Our 412?................ 20 Become a Wave Maker.................... 22 Photo credit to Abby Fostveit / Detroit Lakes Tribune, Amy Stearns, Brian Merritt, Carmen McCullough, Dave Baer, Doug Schultz, and James Botnen.

3

In May of 2024, international recycle artist Thomas Dambo and his trash-to-treasure crew arrived in Detroit Lakes to install the “biggest and most ambitious exhibition” of his career. This wildly popular installation, named Alexa’s Elixir, is made up of five charming trolls, one rabbit, and three mysterious portals placed in and between Fargo, ND and Perham, MN. In March of 2025, our Trolls in DL were named in TIME’s top 100 of the World’s Greatest Places to visit in 2025!

Many thanks to our many volunteers and our generous Troll sponsors for helping to make this GIANT project possible: Arvig, BTD Manufacturing, Frank & Barb Foltz, Fritz/Lundmark Family, Herzog Roofing, Herzog/Hvidston Families, Ken & Helen Foltz, Midwest Bank, Otter Tail Corporation Foundation, Scott & Susan Busker Family, and SJE Foundation.

Experience the magic of this adventure starting in Detroit Lakes City Park or online at TrollsDL.com.

4

5

Public Art With story and art walks, scarecrows in the garden, Art on a Stick, a Thomas Dambo Happy Wall, and more, we continue to Create DL as the place to be.

Visit Project412MN.org and follow us on social media @Project412MN to see how we are spreading color and public art throughout Detroit Lakes.

6

7

Live Music We are your lakes area hub for live music! From big-name artists at WE Fest to your favorite local jam band in the park and everything in between! We celebrate live music all year round!

Mark your calendar for Way North of Nashville 5.0 on Saturday, January 31, 2026 and watch for the return of Trucks & Tunes, our free Thursday-night summer concert series in DL City Park! You can always find out what’s playing next in the lakes area at MusicInDL.com.

Saturday, January 31

8

Thursdays, Summer 2026

9

10

Entrepreneurial Support We encourage entrepreneurs to create experiences that make Detroit Lakes an even more unique and memorable destination. Our monthly Deep Dive DL sessions provide the opportunity to connect with local entrepreneurs, creatives, and community members. And our HOTdish microgranting dinners support creative projects that build a stronger community.

In May we hosted our second Pitch 412, a Shark Tank-inspired event providing entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch and showcase their business ideas.

Winners included Clarity Wine Bar (First Place), Bucks Mill Table (Second Place), and TR Industries LLC (Audience Choice Award). Many thanks to all the applicants and to those who came out to support our finalists!

11

Colors & Shapes In summer 2025, Detroit Lakes hosted Colors & Shapes – Nature as Seen by Charley Harper, an international exhibit celebrating the iconic American artist’s work. The Muséum de Toulouse—the second-largest museum in France— selected Detroit Lakes as the first stop on its global tour.

More than 50 reproductions of Harper’s art were displayed across three locations: Ortenstone Gardens & Sculpture Park, Becker County Museum, and the Washington Square Mall. Thanks to Project 412 Wave Makers, all exhibits were free and open to the public.

12

13

Of The Earth Olga Ziemska, an internationally acclaimed environmental sculptor and the first Artist-in-Residence at Ortenstone Gardens, explores the idea that “we are nature.” Her Of the Earth exhibition debuted in Ortenstone Gardens in June of 2025.

Each sculpture reveals itself in sequence along the path—Hear: With an Ear to the Ground is first, followed by Strata, and finally the commanding presence of Ona is visible in the distance. The sculptures are on temporary loan from the artist, with a fourth permanent piece set for installation in 2026.

14

15

July 11, 2026

September 12, 2026

Late September 2026

Bikes to Bigfoot Summer kicked off strong with the Tour Da Lakes bike races in July, held in memory of Mark Knutson. With three routes to choose from, riders could go all out or just enjoy the ride. The action shifted from wheels to sneakers in September as more than 1,400 runners hit the streets for the Dick Beardsley Races. The crisp fall air and beautiful lake views made the perfect backdrop for our 30th Anniversary celebration.

A few weeks later, The Sasquatch Run returned to Detroit Lakes. Runners participated in the 4.167 mile loop and many stayed to push their limits at the Last Man Standing. Stretching late into the night, the final finisher logged an incredible 15 laps—that’s over 62 miles—from 10 am on Saturday to 1 am on Sunday. Now that’s endurance!

16

17

18

Year in Review We’ve been busy creating places and events that inspire! Let’s take a look at 2025 by the numbers: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • •

• • • •

Art Murals: 2 murals, 2 artists Business Support & Connections: 96 businesses, 150+ hours Celebrating Local Businesses: 34 business milestones Charley Harper Art: 3 locations, 50+ digital reproductions Deep Dive DL: 8 events, 8 entrepreneurs, 7 artists, 168 attendees Dick Beardsley Races: 4 races, 1400 racers, 13 cheer zones, 61 cheer zone volunteers, 11,554.5 miles run, 358 volunteer hours General Installation, Repair, & Maintenance: 11 volunteers, 232 volunteer hours Happy Wall: 1,664 recycled hand-tooled wooden tiles HOTdish Microgranting Dinners: 2 dinners, 8 HOT ideas dished, 332 attendees, $1610 raised, 205 pounds of hotdish eaten Kites on the Lake Festival: 13 kiters, 50+ kites, 6 volunteers, 24 volunteer hours Olga Ziemska’s “Of the Earth” Installation: 1 artist, 3 sculptures, 131 volunteers, 325 volunteer hours Ortenstone Gardens Prep Work, Planting, and Weeding: 124 volunteers, 373 volunteer hours, 4000 yards of dirt moved Pitch 412: 17 applicants, 4 finalists, 225 attendees Pop-Up Coworking: 54 attendees, 105 hours Sasquatch Trail Run & Last Man Standing: 4 volunteers, 60 volunteer hours. Sasquatch Trail Run: 52 runners, 1 lap, 216 miles run.

Last Man Standing: 37 participants, 975 miles run, winner ran 15 laps (that’s 62+ miles between 10 am on Saturday and 1 am on Sunday!)

Scarecrows in the Garden: 8 artsy groups, 8 unique scarecrows Sugar Cookie Contest: 2 categories, 8 judges, 6 winners, 8 volunteers, 24 volunteer hours TIME World’s Greatest Places: Thomas Dambo’s Alexa’s Elixir installation named in top 100 of the World’s Greatest Place to visit in 2025!

Tour Da Lakes - Mark Knutson Memorial: 3 races, 219 bikers, 4,903.5 miles biked, 20 volunteers, 50 volunteer hours Trucks & Tunes Free Concerts in the Park: 10 concerts, 51 musicians, 126 vendors, 5500 attendees Way North of Nashville 4.0: 4 singer-songwriters, 18 types of bourbon, 314 attendees, 16 volunteers, 184 volunteer hours Wicked Plant Art: 3 locations, 19 deliciously dark botanicals

19

Are You One of Our 412?

Project 412 was founded on the belief that if we all come together we can do great things! Our goal is to find 412 people to give $412/year for 4 years and 12 months.

Those dollars are then matched 1:1 so we can do EVEN MORE cool stuff!

Foundational Sponsors The foundation of Project 412. These gifts helped us start Project 412 and fund all operating and administrative expenses.

• • • • • • •

B. John Barry & Paula Trom Tom Barry The Barry Foundation Mike Brodsho Scott & Susan Busker Steve & Michelle Daggett Carlson Family Foundation

• • • • • • •

Central Market The Fireside Foltz Logistics Frank & Barb Foltz Ken & Helen Foltz Mark & Cindy Fritz Phil & Dianna Hansen

• • • • • •

The Hotel Shoreham Mike & Cheryl Hutchinson Matt & Jodie Johnson Lake Life Hospitality Group Lakeshirts Lakeside Tavern & Brewery

• • • • • • •

Dennis & Jeanne Lind Long Bridge Bar & Grill Terry & Michelle Maier Midwest Bank Dave & Deb Pratt PRO Resources Zorbaz

White Cap Wave Makers Wave Makers who give $4120/year or more.

100% of this support goes back into the community for all the cool work we do!

• • • • • • • • • •

Action Fabricating, Inc Boys & Girls Club Thrift Store Adrienne Buboltz Judie Cherry Gary & Paula Christensen Marsha Congdon Steve & Michelle Daggett Dental Associates of DL Kathy Dickson DL Hotel Group

• • • • • • •

Eginton Family Charitable Fund Christopher Erickson Steve Evans and Annie Milnor Cathy Fritz Anthony & Karin Gambell Josh & Brook Herzog Lynn Hoghaug & Laurie Chatham

• • • • • • • • • •

Hough, Inc Bill & Carolyn Hunter Matt & Jodie Johnson Heather Kivi, DDS Karra & Nate Krump Paul & Sharon Madson Malstrom Electric Ryan & Chelsea Manke Mithun Family Foundation Andy & Connie Nemec

• • • • • • • • •

Pro Custom & Security Steve & Sarah Schacht Terry & Jane Stallman Mike & Amy Stearns Team Laboratory Chemical Co Dale & Denise Thompson VFW Post 1676 Washington Square LTD Partnership Webber Family Motors

Additional Support & Grant Funding • • • •

20

Arts Midwest Becker County Blandin Foundation City of Detroit Lakes

• •

Detroit Lakes Area Community Foundation Detroit Lakes Tourism Bureau

• • •

Fredrikson & Byron P.A. Lake Region Arts Council Minnesota Energy Resources

• •

Rainman Irrigation – Cooper Hermanson West Central Initiative

Wave Makers These are Wave Maker gifts of $100 or more. 100% of this support goes back into the community.

Every dollar is matched so your gift goes further!

• 49 North Advisors • Accessories Unlimited • Action Realty • Jane Ahlin • Bruce & Provi Airheart • Janice & Joe Albanese • American Family Insurance - Hedstrom Agency • Dick & Patty Anderson • Howard Anderson & Julie Sanders • Rand & Renee Anderson • Mark & Susan Andrews • Anonymous • Anonymous • Anonymous • Anonymous • Anonymous • Anonymous • Apex Engineering Group • At Ease Dock & Lift • Paul & Joleen Backlund • Robert Backman • Yvonne Bakken • Chris & Autumn Baumler • Be Free Cleaning • Chuck & Diane Becker • Peter & Carolyn Becraft • Bob & Bonnie Bekkerus • Pam Benedict • Christopher & Mara Bergen • Tim & Cheri Bergien • Del & Norma Bergseth • Bruce & Jane Besse • Barb Birznieks • Don Blanding • Bluebird Books • Natalie Bly • Matt & Amy Boeke • Robert & Kimberly Boisvert • Karl & Twila Bollingberg • Mike & Julie Bommersbach • Carmen Borstad • Fredrik & Peggy Borstad • Hans & Suzanne Borstad • Jason Boutwell • Jill & Randy Brandt • Diana Brennan • Mary & Kenneth Brill • Cindy & Jim Bruflodt • Mitch & Jackie Buboltz • TJ & Karen Buboltz • Lisa & Charles Buck • Bucks Mill Brewing • Jessica & Brian Burhans • Sam & Allie Busker • Shelby Busker • Jim & Cheri Buus • Wendi Buzick • Vicki & Frank Callaghan • Joyce Campbell & Skip Honke • Erik & Teke Carlson • Shaun & Anna Carlson • Dave & Kathy Carter • Casey’s Retail Co • Craig & Mary Beth Caulfield • Caulfield Studio • Central Market • Richard Chelmo • China Buffet DL, Inc. • Jim & Nancy Christensen • Nick Christenson • Kurt & Chelsea Christianson • Roger & Kimberly Christianson • Lee & Jane Christoferson

• Judy Christoffersen • Gerald & Doris Clyne • Chuck & Kari Collins • Nancy Conlin • Derek Corbin • Dr. Stephen Corbin & Dr. Cathy Backinger • Cotton Lake Association • Joe Crary • Susan Crockett • Bob & Christy Daggett • Dave & Roxann Daggett • Delta Daggett • Vernon & Helen Daggett Family Fund • Damien Society • Tom & Georgia Dawson • Design 2 Sell • Detroit Lakes Breakfast Rotary • Detroit Lakes Lions • Detroit Lakes Noon Rotary • DL Bike Shop • Jim & Corrine Dolan • Jim Donehower • Ashley & John Drewes • Lynn Durward • Holly & Wade Dutton • David & Bobbi Edson • Terry & Barb Eiter • John & Dana Emery • Jed & Amy Erickson • Tom & Ann Erickson • Gail Erlendson • Marlene & Lucho Espejo • Joseph Evans • Mary Ann Evans • Michael & Beverly Even • Every Runday LLC • Dr Calvin K Fercho Family Foundation • Brian & Abigail Ferdon • Denise Fett • Shirley Fihn • Mike Fitzmaurice • Eric & Kristi Flyen • John Flynn • Steve & Rhonda Fode • Kathryn Foltz • Foltz Buildings • Carly Fritz • Greta Fritz • Mark & Cindy Fritz • Mike & Wendy Fritz • Kimberly M. Fuhs, CPA • Steve Fuhs • Eloyce & Gene Gaffney • Brent & Jenny Gerber • Emma & Nick Gergen • Ross & Paula Gonitzke • Bob & Diane Gorden • Jim & Carol Granger • Brad & Janet Green • Marc & Sandra Guiley • John & Judy Gunkelman • Haga Kommer, Ltd. • Mark & Karen Hagen • Michael & Katie Haggart • Nancy Haggart • Tom & Janice Haggart • Steve & Kay Halverson • Peggy & Roy Hammerling • Howard & Carla Hansen • Gary Harris • Marc Hartman • Robert & Jean Hatlestad • Georgia Hecock • Matt & Dianna Hedstrom • Robert & Diane Heller • Nancy & William Henke • Jim & Judi Herk • Patricia Hermanson

• Michael & Jackson Herzog • Josh & Amy Hochgraber • Keith & Pat Hochgraber • Harold Hoffelt • Lucas & Mackenzie Hoffman • Jason & Sarah Hofmann • John Holland • HomeSmart Adventure Realty • Elizabeth & Brian Huesman • Diane Hughes • David & Mary Hunter • Perry & Anne Hunter • Dave & Terri Hutchinson • Lauryl Ivers • Jack Chivers Realty • Peter & Ann Jacobson • Don Johnson • Ed & Trudy Johnson • Greg & Jenn Johnson • Janice Johnson • Lucy Johnson & Tom Tollefson • Tre’ & Samantha Johnson • Pam & Bob Jones • John & Gail Jordan • Ruth & Richard Julian • Bonnie Juma • Kristal Kadrie • Terry Kalil • Dave & Maureen Karsnia • James & Kristine Kenner • Lee & Ellen Kensinger • Trish & Ron Kershner • John & Renee Kerzman • John & Ruth King • Kiwanis Club of DL • James & Valerie Kjelstrup • Heather & Robert Klabunde • Kerry & Sharon Kligerman • Tom & Joyce Klyve • Craig & Rachel Koep • Mary & Steve Kohlhepp • Robert & Loxley Koshnick • Melissa Kossick • Kenny & Pam Krebs • Jeff & Deb Krueger • Patty & Dave La Barre • Lake Detroiters Assoc.

• Lakeridge Dental • Lakes Community Coop • Lakes Sport Shop • Tanner & Alyssa Lane • Bill & Jeanette Larson • Lauren & Garrett Larson • Aaron & Viva Lauinger • Thomas & Ann Lavoy • John Leberman • Adam & Sydney Lee • Matt Lee • Richard & Carol Lee • Roger & Jan Lee • Jeff & Beth Leighton • Sheree Lenz • Robert & Suzanne Lervick • Lew & Laurie Lewandowski • LGM, LLC • Lilac Homes Memory Care • Mark & Roxann Lindquist • Josh & Sara Loeffen • Lucky Little Learners • Lucky Penny Trading • George & Evonne Lund • Amy & Tom Lundberg • Eric & Katie Lundmark • Kirk & Diane Lundmark • Steven & Barbara Maag • Terry & Michelle Maier

• Garrett & Madison Malstrom • Ryan & Chelsea Manke • David & Mary Maring • Markuson-Baer Insurance • Marty Solmon Construction • Craig & Brenda Mazour • Tom & Lori McCauley • Andy & Kelsey McCombs • James & Margo McCulley • Carmen & Kevin McCullough • Kyle Meacham • Meadowland Surveying • Rick & Maureen Meland • Kevin & Jean Melicher • Tom & Renee Michon • Chris & Katie Miller • Darlys & Ed Miller • Kevin & Becky Mitchell • MMCDC • Patty & Kent Mollberg • Tom & Pam Mortenson • Ellen Moses • LeAnn & Brant Mouw • Kyle Muckenhirn • Ron & Gwen Mueller • Bryce Nelson • Jade Nielsen • Sarah Lossin Nielsen • Nancy Noben-Trauth • Mike & Betsy Norby • Greg & Gina Nosal • Carol Nustad • Carl & Carol Oberholtzer • Jim & Ruth Ode • Holly & Chad Okeson • Paul & Julia Okeson • Okeson Offtrail Sales • Olaf Anderson • Old National Bank • Sid & Laurie Olson • Theodore Olson • Stu & Kathy Omberg • Melissa & Dave Opsahl • Oracle Netsuite • Darrin & Jennifer Ovsak • Michelle & Jerry Paulson • Jennifer Paulsrud • Linda Pavek • Dave & Caroline Pekarek • Pemberton Law • Norma & Les Perry • Ryan & Maree Pesch • Pat Pfeifer • PJ’s Properties-Rentals • George & Sue Portilla • Paul & Beth Pridday • Principle Mortgage Group • PRO Resources • Judy Quam • Steve & Sue Quam • Daniel & Rebecca Rantanen • RE/MAX Lakes Region Lisa Jasken • Jay Richardson • Kristi & Jon Riewer • Joseph & Jennifer Roach • Annette (Lundmark) & David Robertson • Sam & Moriya Rufer • S & G Distributions • Stacy & Mike Salvevold • Lori & Tim Sayler • Jim & Jackie Schaefbauer • Kelly & Mark Schiffner • Marjorie Schlossman • Vern & Adele Schnathorst • Dave & Janine Schneider • Lynn & William Schnettler • Paul & Carole Schornack

• Schultz Garage • Joe & Kara Schumann • Dan & Beth Schupp • Mary Schutz • Claudia Scribner • Tom & Mary Seaworth • Securian Financial Group • Jon & Maureen Segner • Charlie & Veronika Seuntjens • Jenny Sheets & Dave Walther • Kevin & Carol Shipley • Mike & Vera Sidders • James & Sharon Sinclair • Jim & Deanna Sinclair • Vicki & Kelly Skaurud • Skin Detroit Lakes • Brian & Geri Skogen • Michele & Jeff Sliper • Nancy & Ron Soberg • Ruth Solie • Jay & Sue Sorensen • Sarah Spradling • Ron & Sandy Sprafka • Wendy Spry • Benjamin Stearns • Emy Stenerson • Travis & Ashley Stone • David & Judy Stowman • Jeff & Shelly Stowman • Sally Suby • Madalyn Sukke • Cindy & Brian Swanson • Mike & Linda Swanston • Gregory & Christy Tehven • The Hideaway Resort • The Real Estate Company of DL - Chris Nord • The Real Estate Company of DL - Dave Neisen • Robert Thibodeaux • Pete & Jayne Thielen • John & Karen Thorpe • Tom & Trish Thorson • Tomlinson Schultz • James R Traynor • Gail & Hans Tronnes • Stacey & Gary Tronson • Trophy House • Thomas & Heather Trowbridge • TS Dock & Lift • Tom & Kari Tschider • Deb & G.L. Tucker • United Savings Credit Union • Andy & Nicole Van Dam • George & Liz Van Dam • Jackie Walker • Rich Warner • Jane Wasvick • Tom & Karolyn Watson • Sheila Welle • Craig & Vicki Wendt • Dave West & Cheryl Chivers • Bill & Deb Wickum • Annell & Kelly Williams • Fred J Williams • Julie Williams Barner • Sandra & Delyle Willprecht • Shawna & Gregory Willson • Rhonda & Bill Wilson • Brad & Deb Wimmer • Mitch & Deb Wimmer • Micker & Don Wold • John & Connie Wood • Zayic Concrete

Thank you to all these generous folks who have invested in our community!

What a fantastic list of people who want to Do Cool Stuff!

Imagine how much more we can do when you join us!

Turn the page to find out how you can become a Wave Maker today!

21

22

Become a Wave Maker!

We can’t do this alone – nor should we! Let’s work together to make our community the best it can possibly be. Thanks to our foundational sponsors who support our operating expenses, each Wave Maker dollar is put 100% back into the community to “Do Cool Stuff” #DCS. As a Wave Maker donor, your financial support will be matched dollar for dollar by a local foundation so we can do even more Cool Stuff!

Donate today to support our efforts, receive the added benefit of reducing your taxable income, and to help us make an incredible impact in the coming year!

Help Us Reach Our Goal of Creating 412 Wave Makers!

If paying by check, return completed with payment to: Project 412, 806 Summit Ave, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

Donation Amount: o $412 Pledge:

o $4,120

o Other _________

o 4 Year- 12 Month Commitment (5 Years

)

OR o One Time Donation Business Name _____________________________ Phone _________________ Donor Name ___________________________ E-mail ______________________ (Optional) Spouse Name________________ E-mail ______________________ Mailing Address _____________________________________________________ Many Ways to Donate! o Online at: Project412MN.org o Check enclosed payable to Project 412 o Venmo @Project412 o I want to set up an ACH payment plan o Charge my credit card #_________________________________________________ Exp. Date _______ /_______ CVC _______ Billing Zip ________________ How do you want to be recognized for your support? o Name: _________________________________________ o Anonymous Donor

Thank you for supporting Project 412!

Project 412 is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with Tax ID # 88-3176887.

23

www.Project412MN.org ©2025 Project 412 0726