On Thursday (June 7th, the anniversary of the fire), at 2:15pm there was an "exhibition run of the Fargo Fire Department, starting on Broadway, north of Second Avenue, thence to Front Street to the place where the great fire of 1983 originated."
The Fire department exhibition was followed by a "Grand Parade of all Secret Orders" led by El Zagal Temple, the founders of this festival. At 8pm that evening there was a dedication ceremony for the new Masonic Lodge.
On the afternoon of June 7, 1893, the worst fire in the history of Fargo began in downtown and spread from wood building to wood building, destroying city hall, the business district and the homes of most of Fargo’s 6,000 residents. The city rebuilt, bigger and better than ever. In fireproof brick! Fargo celebrated its renewal with a festival. The first Fire Festival was held in 1895. Each year the event grew more grand. The advertisement to the right is from the Fargo Forum in May 1900 announcing sixth annual event. The event was held annually until it was abandoned during World War I. A 40th anniversary event was held in 1933.
Fargo, North Dakota
Fire Festival
The 1900 program shown at the right lists the festivities beginning at 9:30am Wednesday (June 6) with band concerts, followed by a baseball game between the "Fargo base Ball Team" and Wheatland at the Athletic Park. At 11 there there an open air circus on a platform built at Broadway and Front Streets. In the afternoon there was log rolling in a tank in front of city hall, more baseball, circus, and several band concerts.
Broadway was cleared from Front Street to Second Avenue for the Ball. No one was permitted in this area except those in costume from 8:15pm until "milking time Saturday morning." The area was lit by colored electric lights and search lights. Seven bands furnished music! Who says Fargoans don't know how to party!