History
Our History
Thanks for helping us make history!
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
History of Project 412
2022-2025
2022
Project 412 formed
The Project was formed as a nonprofit organization in September 2022 with the sole goal of being a community connector+
2022
Blandin Grant awarded
Nov
Dec
2022
Start-Up Series Events
Led by Jon Melgaard, Project 412 hosted three events in October, November, and December 2022
The series was modeled after Emerging Prairie’s StartupBREW in Fargo, North Dakota
- MiCartagena Coffee House & Jonah Hauser/Hauser Honey
- Bluebird Books — Amy Erickson, Owner
- Allure — Skye Fingalson, Owner
2022
Light Up the Park
Malstrom Electric, Miller Yard Care and Construction, and our event sponsors make the first lighting of the park possible! Detroit Lakes City Park is transformed into a magical winter wonderland.
Cave People in City Park
Cave people in Ice by Leonic Collective cause a solical media stir and get people talking about Project 412.
2023
Mashaal the Mammoth unveiled
Way North of Nashville 2.0
Three Nashville-based singer/songwriters bring their music and stories to the Soo Pass Ranch and entertain guests.
Cool Kites on the Lake
Giant kites take the lake as professional kite flyers bring their spectacular, giant kites to color the skies in partnership with Detroit Lakes Polar Fest.
2023
Trucks & Tunes commences
A summer of concerts in the park and at other venues + food trucks begins.
Murals & Art Surprises the city
Blandin grant-funded murals and art surprises add vibrancy to various buildings and walls throughout Detroit Lakes and creates a positive buzz throughout the lakes region!
Project 412 & DL Poetry Walk collaboration
Poems by selected area poets show up in flowerpots, on buildings, and in parks throughout the town.
Chocolate Chip Cookie contest brings bakers to the fair
53 contestant cooks enter their Chocolate Chip Cookie recipes for an award (and bragging rights) during the Becker County Fair.
2023
Power Box Art brilliance born
Through a collaboration with the Arts & Culture Commission, Public Utilities, and the Blandin Foundation, utility power box art transforms boring to brilliant throughout Detroit Lakes.
2023
Light Up the Park sparkles!
The park is lit up in a magical glow, and custom bollard lights grace West Lake Drive by the lake.
Cool Kites on the Lake soar
Giant kites take the lake as professional kite flyers bring their spectacular, giant kites to color the skies
Way North of Nashville 3.O + bourbon and chocolate — a HIT!
A Project 412 Bourbon & Chocolate fundraising Party is part of the listening room evening featuring singer/songwriters Brett Tyler, Perham-native Patrick Murphy.
2024
Pitch 412 Competition commences
A Shark Tank-style pitch competition was introduced to the community. Entrepreneurs applied to “pitch” their ideas in hopes of attaining business coaching and winning cash prizes.
2024
Trolls in DL constructed
Danish recycling artist Thomas Dambo, alongside 300+ volunteers, built six trolls and three portals throughout the Detroit Lakes area. The news of these gentle giants draws 100,000+ visitors to Detroit Lakes during the summer months.
Hot ideas dished out at HOTdish!
The community is invited to submit ideas for projects that unite people and build a stronger community. Finalists compete for audience votes and funding to bring their idea to life!
Trolls in DL named one of The World's Greatest Places of 2025
TIME Magazine named Thomas Dambo’s Alexa’s Elixir (aka Trolls in DL) one of the “World’s Greatest Places in 2025”.
Ortenstone Gardens & Sculpture Park "opens" with "Of the Earth".
Although the gardens had been open for exploration, an official ribbon-cutting ceremony announced Ortenstone Gardens & Sculpture Park to the public, highlighting the first Artist in Residence, Olga Ziemska, and her “Of the Earth” exhibition.
Essentia Health Dick Beardsley Races celebrates 30 years
The race weekend kicked off Friday evening with the Legends Pasta Dinner, featuring running greats Dick Beardsley and Bill Rodgers and emceed by Minnesota Star Tribune Opinion Editor and Vice President, Phil Morris. 1,400 racers participated in the race events.
Scarecrows in the Garden created by local artists
Local artist applicants submitted their scarecrow ideas to bring more creativity, humor, and a touch of fall magic to Ortenstone Gardens! The public had the opportunity to vote for their favorite!
Light Up DL continues to shine!
Thanks to our Project 412 Wave Makers and our 2025 Park Lighting sponsors, beautiful artistic lights glow for visitors as a welcoming ambiance in Detroit Lakes City Park. Photo credit: Doug Schultz