NDSU Extension Hosts Third Annual Holidazzle Open House, Supports Local Families

The NDSU Stutsman County Extension welcomed families to its third annual Holidazzle Open House on December 5 at 502 10th Avenue SE. The family friendly, in person event featured children s activities, seasonal displays and highlights from extension programming, and was presented as a community outreach effort to showcase Extension services while offering free and low cost activities for families during the holiday season.

Organizers designed the event to be accessible to a broad cross section of the community. By keeping activities free or low cost, Holidazzle reduced financial barriers that can limit participation in seasonal events, particularly for households facing economic strain. The open house model also created opportunities for social connection, which public health experts recognize as an important factor in mental well being and resilience, especially for parents and children during the winter months.

Beyond immediate recreation, the event served as a point of contact between residents and the range of services offered by the Extension. Regular outreach events build familiarity with community resources and can make it easier for families to seek information about education and support programs. In rural counties like Stutsman, those connections are a practical way to address social determinants of health by linking residents to local expertise and services.

Sustained community programming such as Holidazzle depends on continued institutional and public support. Maintaining free and low cost community offerings requires funding and staff capacity, and policies that prioritize rural outreach and equitable access to services will determine whether events like this can expand or continue. Local calendars listed the event, and the growing tradition of Holidazzle suggests organizers see value in maintaining an annual holiday outreach strategy.

For residents, the Holidazzle Open House was more than a seasonal gathering. It provided a safe, welcoming space for families to spend time together, to learn about community resources, and to reinforce neighborhood ties that contribute to overall health and well being across Stutsman County.