The other major event affecting not only Grand Forks but also the whole-state has been the recent legalization of blackjack. But the gambling in this frigid state is somewhat different from that of Las Vegas or Atlantic City. The maximum bet in North Dakota is $2 and all the profits go to charity.

"Last year some 25 or 30 charities made about 14 or 15 million dollars." explains Don Quandt of the Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce. "It's a pretty unique set-up."

And when visitors to this typical North Dakota town, which lies just on the border of Minnesota, venture through, the top attractions tend to be the city's three major shopping centers or the university's Grand Forks, explains the mayor, usually attracts many Canadian visitors, as well. "With our location to Winnipeg (1.50 miles directly south), we have some very close Canadian ties. Hessman says.

In fact, those Canadian ties date back to the city's founding, which was aided by the then Canadian-based, fur-trading Hudson Bay Company. Seeking a midway point on the Red River between St. Paul. Minn., and Winnipeg, the company settled on Grand Forks. The fork in the river at that point was used as the city's name when it was incorporated in 1881.

Two years later, the University of North Dakota was founded, and since then the university has provided many cultural, special and athletic events for the city. It is as Wessman says, the city's pride and joy."

Nowhere is the city's love affair with the University more apparent than with hockey UND's Fighting Sioux hockey squad has reached national prominence the last few years and is the town's top drawing card. The team won the NCAA championship last year but fell short this season.

The NCAA hockey tournament "is the biggest think that's happened to Grand Forks in many years.

"It's not uncommon for us to sell out the rink. Wessman says, referring to the 6000 seat Winter Sports, Complex, where this weekend's tourney is being held. And UND Assistant Hockey Coach John Marks says. "The state of North Dakota takes a lot of pride in the hockey we play. All out games are televised throughout the state."

As for hockey tickets, UNI) has sold all its season tickets for the next five years. After that there's a waiting list with several hundred names "About the only way to get tickets." Marks says is to have them willed to you."

And while there's virtually little chance of getting tickets for this weekend's tourney (it's been sold out for months). Wessman says everyone in town will have something to say about it.

"After all, this is Grand Forks and this is hockey," he says. "Hardly anything else is important."

At least this weekend, anyway.