Fergus Falls Celebrates Welcoming Week
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 8, 2025
FERGUS FALLS, MN
celebrates Welcoming Week
From September 12-21, 2025, Fergus Falls, MN celebrates Welcoming Week, an annual campaign that invites communities around the globe to host events that deepen understanding and connection among community members. This year, Fergus Falls will host four distinct events, including a community-wide international potluck, a workshop to create personal welcome credos, a display on a Human Rights Declaration, and a lecture demonstration focused on Indigenous games!
All events are free and open to the public.
“We Stand For All: A Declaration on Display,” is exhibited at the Fergus Falls Public Library
All week September 12-21 during open Library hours 205 E. Hampden Ave., Fergus Falls
Contact: Klara Beck, Community Development Director City of Fergus Falls – 218-332-5428 Klara.Beck@FergusFallsMN.gov
This introduces the declaration to the broader community and invites reflection on each tenet while also providing opportunities to map how folks came to the Fergus Falls community. Hosted by The Human Rights and Public Arts Commissions and the Fergus Falls Public Library. Co-sponsored by West Central Initiative (Home - wcif.org) and Pioneer PBS.
The Gathering at the River – a Multi-Cultural Potluck at Spies Riverfront Pavilion
Tuesday, September 16 5:30-7:30pm 117 S. Union Ave., Fergus Falls
Contact: Karen Terry – 218-770-9301
Everyone is invited to bring their favorite ethnic food or grandma’s recipe, along with dinnerware/utensils. Bike riding, strolling, and meeting neighbors are encouraged – share tasty food and learn about cultural influences in a welcome setting!
Hosted by Fergus Falls Sunrise and Noon Rotary Clubs.
Let the Games Begin! at Roosevelt Gym
Wednesday, September 17 4-7pm Roosevelt Gym, 105 East Mt. Faith, Fergus Falls
Contact: Mary Matteson, Community Education Director 218-998-0544 ext. 9201 mmatteson@fergusotters.org
Dr. Dan Ninham, PhD, and Susan Ninham will be discussing and demonstrating the talent and cultural significance of Indigenous Games, exploring sports and community health. Food trucks will be on site for people to enjoy!
Hosted by Fergus Falls Community Education and The American Indian Program, with Native American Studies ISD 544. Co-sponsored by West Central Initiative (Home - wcif.org).
Create Your Personal Welcoming Credo at the Fergus Falls Public Library – Community Room
Saturday, September 20 10-11:30am Fergus Falls Public Library, 205 E. Hampden, Fergus Falls
Contact: Katelyn Boyer, Adult Services Librarian, (218) 739-9387 kboyer@ffpubliclibrary.org
Participants will explore how to make their values real and actionable by creating their very own “Welcoming Credo”, a personal statement of beliefs, principles, or values. Everyone will be encouraged to reflect on how they can personally welcome immigrants and refugees. Attendees will leave with a display-worthy copy of their credo on high-quality paper. This workshop is designed and led by Victoria McWane-Creek, CEO of Organization 4 Full Participation and winner of the 2024 Minnesota Star Tribune Community Bridge Builder Award.
Hosted by the Fergus Falls Public Library and the City of Fergus Falls. Co-sponsored by West Central Initiative (Home - wcif.org) and Pioneer PBS.
Everyone in Fergus Falls wants to feel supported and truly welcomed by neighbors and the larger community. That kind of support takes effort and an ongoing commitment to foster a sense of belonging and community-wide connection. Welcoming Week is where this commitment can start. Again, all events are free and open to the public. We look forward to learning about new relationships made in Fergus Falls!
FERGUS FALLS, MN
celebrates Welcoming Week
From September 12-21, 2025, Fergus Falls, MN celebrates Welcoming Week, an annual campaign that invites communities around the globe to host events that deepen understanding and connection among community members. This year, Fergus Falls will host four distinct events, including a community-wide international potluck, a workshop to create personal welcome credos, a display on a Human Rights Declaration, and a lecture demonstration focused on Indigenous games!
All events are free and open to the public.
“We Stand For All: A Declaration on Display,” is exhibited at the Fergus Falls Public Library
All week September 12-21 during open Library hours 205 E. Hampden Ave., Fergus Falls
Contact: Klara Beck, Community Development Director City of Fergus Falls – 218-332-5428 Klara.Beck@FergusFallsMN.gov
This introduces the declaration to the broader community and invites reflection on each tenet while also providing opportunities to map how folks came to the Fergus Falls community. Hosted by The Human Rights and Public Arts Commissions and the Fergus Falls Public Library. Co-sponsored by West Central Initiative (Home - wcif.org) and Pioneer PBS.
The Gathering at the River – a Multi-Cultural Potluck at Spies Riverfront Pavilion
Tuesday, September 16 5:30-7:30pm 117 S. Union Ave., Fergus Falls
Contact: Karen Terry – 218-770-9301
Everyone is invited to bring their favorite ethnic food or grandma’s recipe, along with dinnerware/utensils. Bike riding, strolling, and meeting neighbors are encouraged – share tasty food and learn about cultural influences in a welcome setting!
Hosted by Fergus Falls Sunrise and Noon Rotary Clubs.
Let the Games Begin! at Roosevelt Gym
Wednesday, September 17 4-7pm Roosevelt Gym, 105 East Mt. Faith, Fergus Falls
Contact: Mary Matteson, Community Education Director 218-998-0544 ext. 9201 mmatteson@fergusotters.org
Dr. Dan Ninham, PhD, and Susan Ninham will be discussing and demonstrating the talent and cultural significance of Indigenous Games, exploring sports and community health. Food trucks will be on site for people to enjoy!
Hosted by Fergus Falls Community Education and The American Indian Program, with Native American Studies ISD 544. Co-sponsored by West Central Initiative (Home - wcif.org).
Create Your Personal Welcoming Credo at the Fergus Falls Public Library – Community Room
Saturday, September 20 10-11:30am Fergus Falls Public Library, 205 E. Hampden, Fergus Falls
Contact: Katelyn Boyer, Adult Services Librarian, (218) 739-9387 kboyer@ffpubliclibrary.org
Participants will explore how to make their values real and actionable by creating their very own “Welcoming Credo”, a personal statement of beliefs, principles, or values. Everyone will be encouraged to reflect on how they can personally welcome immigrants and refugees. Attendees will leave with a display-worthy copy of their credo on high-quality paper. This workshop is designed and led by Victoria McWane-Creek, CEO of Organization 4 Full Participation and winner of the 2024 Minnesota Star Tribune Community Bridge Builder Award.
Hosted by the Fergus Falls Public Library and the City of Fergus Falls. Co-sponsored by West Central Initiative (Home - wcif.org) and Pioneer PBS.
Everyone in Fergus Falls wants to feel supported and truly welcomed by neighbors and the larger community. That kind of support takes effort and an ongoing commitment to foster a sense of belonging and community-wide connection. Welcoming Week is where this commitment can start. Again, all events are free and open to the public. We look forward to learning about new relationships made in Fergus Falls!
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About Welcoming Week
Welcoming Week is an annual campaign and celebration to showcase the movement of communities striving to be more welcoming places for all, including immigrants. Launched in 2012 by Welcoming America and its members, Welcoming Week provides individuals and communities the opportunity to proclaim welcoming values through events and local initiatives that foster mutual understanding between immigrants and non-immigrants, as well as deeper belonging for all.
About Welcoming America
Welcoming America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs. Through the Welcoming Network, we work to change systems and culture by providing communities with the roadmap they need to create welcoming policies and share innovative approaches to inclusion to create an environment where everyone can truly thrive. Learn more at welcomingamerica.org.