On Wednesday, September 4, East Grand Forks held its 8th annual community showcase by the River Street Parking Lot. Corporal Nick Gunderson of the East Grand Forks Police Department sat down to discuss the upcoming community event aimed at fostering stronger relationships between residents and local agencies. Gunderson, who has been with the department for over a decade, explained the origins of the event, his initial role in it, and what it means for the community.
“When I moved here 10 years ago, we were doing a lot of things with Grand Forks, but we didn’t have many events just for East Grand Forks,” Gunderson said. Gunderson explained that the community showcase event began as part of a grant initiative tied to the school resource officer program. As part of that grant, the department was required to implement community policing efforts. The event has grown over the years, moving to a larger venue and incorporating more local restaurants and businesses.
“This is our second year hosting it here at River Street,” Gunderson said. “We’ve included more restaurants and other community members. It’s really become a great event.”
Gunderson credited the success of the event to the strong support from his department and city officials. “My chief was really behind the idea, and now the city has kind of taken over the event,” he said. “The department heads across the city all work together on it, and we’ve become more of a unified team.”
The event’s primary goal is to foster connections between residents and various government agencies, offering a glimpse into the services they provide. “It’s not just about law enforcement,” Gunderson noted. “It’s about showing the community what all the agencies in East Grand Forks do and how we can help.”
A key component of the event is a food drive, where participants can donate non-perishable goods or make a $5 donation. “All of the donations go to the local food bank,” Gunderson said. The event also features a twist-a-dunk tank with volunteers from various city departments, including the city administrator, a superintendent from the street department, and even local business leaders. “It’s a great way to get the community involved and have a little fun while supporting a good cause,” he added.
The event is not limited to city residents. Various agencies participated, including the State Patrol, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Gunderson emphasized the importance of including these agencies because they all serve the broader East Grand Forks area.
“We want everyone in the community to feel welcome, whether they live here or attend college nearby,” Gunderson said, highlighting that students from both UND and Minnesota colleges are encouraged to attend. “It’s a great opportunity for students, especially those studying law enforcement or related fields, to connect with different agencies and maybe even find internship or job opportunities.”
Last year, students from Northland College’s law enforcement program attended, providing a valuable opportunity for networking and real-world experience.
When asked about his favorite aspect of East Grand Forks, Gunderson reflected on the strong sense of community he has witnessed over the past decade. “There’s just something special about this place,” he said. “That’s really what this event is all about bringing people together.”
For anyone with questions about the event or looking to get involved in East Grand Forks, Gunderson welcomes the outreach. The East Grand Forks Police Department can be reached at (218) 773-1104, and Gunderson’s direct email is [email protected].
The community event is set to be a fun, family-friendly day with plenty of opportunities to connect with local leaders and support a great cause.
Davíd Moreno is a Dakota Student General Reporter. He can be reached at daví[email protected].
