I was there as a tech for the US Mint today so I got to watch the festivities. They included the Medora singers with “Teddy Roosevelt” and the Cannonball drummers. There were a LOT of school kids in attendance, and everyone under 18 was given a free state quarter at the end of the event!
It was interesting seeing all the security behind the scenes; an armored car from the mint was parked in the back garage with a LOT of North Dakota quarters in it. They’re transported in heavy-duty cases by armed guards, and there were plenty of local and state law enforcement personnel on hand as well.
On a side note, I also saw “Gentleman Wade” Westin and his little girl today. He’s not the host of the Medora Musical this year, but he is a dad for the second time as of last week – it’s a boy! Congratulations to the Westins.
If you want state quarters, they’re available now. For $5 you can get a little commemorative case with two quarters in it: one showing the front, one showing the back. First Lady Mikey Hoeven showed me hers, and I’m probably going to spring for a couple. What the heck, I love North Dakota!