Bismarck’s “Talking Trails” Sets Their Sights On Labor Day.

Last year was just plain bleak all around - COVID-19 wreaked havoc on basically everything. Restaurants closed (some permanently) - sporting events shut down, and entertainment, from concerts to movie theatres, came to a halt. There just didn't seem to be anything alive and colorful out there to pick up our spirits.

What a difference a year makes. Masks are rapidly going away, vaccination shots (which seemed like an impossible reality, NOW is ongoing everywhere) are widely available, and our city is bustling with brand new businesses set to open up, According to KFYRTV Bismarck art and architectural sites will come to life. Patrons can download the Talking Trails app and listen to the artist tell the story behind their work. What a great idea to enhance your experience - nothing wrong of course with the good old-fashioned sign that's posted in front of what you are looking at - such as a historical landmark. Modern-day technology opens up your mind through the Talking Trail mobile app or dial-in platform. Patrons can download the Talking Trails app and listen to the artist tell the story behind their work. Members of the Leadership Bismarck-Mandan class are planning to feature 30 points of art, including art from Art Alley 5.5.

The crucial step now is raising money for the project. The initial cost is about $16,500, along with $1200 for maintenance. “We’re excited about our two initial opportunities, through the Capital City Christmas grant and their focus on art in our community. We’re hopeful there will be some funding coming from that grant"   said Leadership Bismarck-Mandan student Weston Dressler. Help from other companies is being sought as well.

Their target date for the Talking Trails project is Labor Day.