Beth Jansen Archives - KVRR Local News

Pioneer Days Features Tintype Photography

The weekend was jam-packed with activities, but perhaps most special was the chance to have your likeness chemically etched in metal.

August 24, 2025

Gabriel Ostler,

WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Bonanzaville is no stranger to historical reenactments. The replica village, overseen by the Cass County, North Dakota, Historical Society, draws visitors from all over at all times of year. Pioneer Days, though, have that little extra special something that take them over the top. Whether it be the pedal pull, train rides, or lefse making…

Bonanzaville brings history and fun on Independence Day

July 4, 2024

Alex Bertsch,

WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Bonanzaville got people out on Independence Day with an old fashioned wild west themed celebration. The event featured food trucks, bounce houses and train rides, but it also gave people an opportunity to check out some of the historical exhibits. Bonanzaville Director Beth Jansen says that during the 4th of July celebrations, they are able…

Bonanzaville honored for preserving history

April 25, 2023

Site Staff,

WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — One of Cass County’s most iconic museums is honored for preserving history. Bonanzaville has been awarded the Excellence in Historic Preservation Award by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Sandy Sidler presented Executive Director Beth Jansen and Board President Kristen Fellows with the award during a meeting. There are 30 historic…

64th Annual Pioneer Days gives community a glimpse of the past

August 27, 2022

Site Staff,

WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Take a trip back in time by strolling through a pioneer village and catching historic demonstrations like butter churning, woodcarving and wet-plate photography. Out in West Fargo, Bonanzaville is hosting its 64th annual Pioneer Days featuring costumed guides, families, parades, horse carriages and even making pies by an open fire. Even the Wienermobile made a…

Bonanzaville Hosts Independence Day Celebration

Bonanzaville welcomes the community home to revisit its roots at its annual Independence Day event.

July 4, 2022

Site Staff,

WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR)- This year’s theme is a “Carnival”. Organizers say they switched things up this year and added more flare for the carnival theme. “We have about nine different games and bouncy type toys for the kids, we’ve got bingo, we’ve got pony rides, we’ve got a small train running through the village,” said Katie Leier, Fargo. For…