Spring will bring a bit more color to West Fargo’s streets this year at COLOR FEST, hosted by the City of West Fargo. Taking place 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, April 17, in The Yards on Sheyenne, this event will offer the community a chance to join local artists to paint Sheyenne Street intersections from Second Avenue W. to Fourth Avenue W. before they are torn up for the area’s reconstruction project. The event will bring public art to West Fargo while also serving as a celebration of the transformation of the area into a more walkable, pedestrian-friendly corridor.
Local artists are encouraged to submit street artwork designs to be painted in the three intersections. The chosen artists will paint the designs on to the street during the event, and event attendees will be able to assist the artists. Selected artists will receive $400 for the use of their design, as well as painting the designs and assisting event attendees. The City of West Fargo will supply all paint and materials. For more information, visit https://www.westfargond.gov/1139/COLOR-FEST.
Art submissions are due 11:59 p.m., Thursday, March 18, 2021, by email. Selected artists will receive notification by Tuesday, April 6, 2021. For the full call for artists, please visit the COLOR FEST website (https://www.westfargond.gov/1139/COLOR-FEST).
The City of West Fargo will release updates and an alternative plan if weather or COVID-19 conditions prohibit the event from safely occurring.
About the north Sheyenne Street reconstruction project
The north Sheyenne Street reconstruction project aims to replace aging infrastructure from Main Avenue W. to Sixth Avenue W. This includes improvements to water mains, sanitary sewer and storm sewer throughout the corridor that either is approaching the end of its service life or is undersized. The utility replacement work was not initially part of this project, but the study results made it apparent that these utility replacements were necessary.
Under the original plans for this project, it will also add streetscaping to strengthen the area’s destination appeal and improve walkability and safety. This portion, which receives $2.37 million in funds through a grant from the North Dakota Department of Transportation, includes new concrete, curb and gutter, diagonal and parallel parking, curb bulb outs, planters, furniture and highlight areas for future amenities like public art.