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Folkways and city staff highlight placemaking work; 'Sunset on the Riverfront' set for Sept. 10
Summary
Folkways and Moorhead parks staff told the EDA that placemaking investments and events are building downtown activation; Folkways said the third annual 'Sunset on the Riverfront' will be Sept. 10 with 47 vendors and reported vendors at last year’s event grossed about $11,000 onsite.
Moorhead’s placemaking efforts took center stage at the June 1 Economic Development Authority meeting as Joe Burgum, co‑founder and executive director of Folkways, and Steve French, community engagement coordinator for City of Moorhead Parks, described recent installations and events meant to draw people to downtown and the riverfront.
"We're a local nonprofit here in the Fargo-Moorhead area. We're celebrating our 12th year in operations. Our mission is to create experiences where you belong," Burgum said, summarizing Folkways’ role in events such as the Red River Market and the Night Bazaar and noting that Folkways is the operating partner for the "Sunset on the Riverfront" event.
Organizers said the event will be held Sept. 10 (moved from August) to better align with Greater Moorhead Days and college schedules. Burgum told the EDA that vendor participation has increased to 47 vendors this year (up from 39), and that vendors at the event last year "grossed close to about $11,000" onsite. Folkways said it hopes for more than 1,000 visitors if weather cooperates.
City staff and presenters described a placemaking strategy rooted in the Downtown Moorhead Plan and the Onward Moorhead comprehensive plan, calling out community-built works such as "Mary's Tunnel" and temporary sculptures as ways to test ideas and build public interest. Staff noted the use of small placemaking grants (including a cited $12,000 infrastructure grant for Mary's Tunnel) and the importance of cross‑sector partnerships with colleges and local businesses.
Why it matters: Presenters framed placemaking as a tool for workforce recruitment, community well‑being, and long‑term downtown vitality. EDA members thanked the presenters and encouraged ongoing partnership as the city develops design guidelines and a downtown framework later this year.
Folkways and parks staff asked the EDA to continue supporting placemaking pilots and to consider how to integrate those efforts into marketing and redevelopment plans for the downtown area.
