Minnesota Dairy Queen Celebrates Decades-Old Tradition on March 1

Despite frigid temperatures, customers line up annually for the Moorhead Dairy Queen's opening day and beloved ice cream treats.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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In Moorhead, Minnesota, the 77-year-old Dairy Queen walk-up ice cream shop has a decades-old tradition of opening on March 1 each year, no matter the weather. Customers brave heavy snow, subzero cold, and single-digit temperatures to be the first in line for Blizzards, milkshakes, and other beloved frozen treats that can't be found anywhere else.

Why it matters

The annual March 1 opening of the Moorhead Dairy Queen has become a cherished community tradition that signifies the arrival of spring, even in the midst of Minnesota's harsh winter. For many locals, it's a time-honored ritual that brings a sense of unity and hope, providing something to look forward to during unrest in the world.

The details

The Moorhead Dairy Queen, which has been in operation for 77 years, is known for its unique menu items like the Mr. Malty (a chocolate malt frozen on a stick), Curly Shake (a shake on the bottom and a sundae on top), and Monkey Tail (a frozen banana dipped in chocolate on a stick). Customers can also find discontinued Blizzard flavors that are no longer available at other Dairy Queen locations. The store is grandfathered in due to its age and focuses on providing exceptional customer service and offering these one-of-a-kind treats.

  • The Moorhead Dairy Queen opens annually on March 1, no matter the weather conditions.
  • On the opening day, an average of 1,200 customers visit the ice cream shop.

The players

Jerry Protextor

A retired pastor who was standing in line to get a butterscotch milkshake and a chocolate-mint Blizzard.

Troy and Diane DeLeon

The owners of the 77-year-old Moorhead Dairy Queen.

Julie Bergseid

A customer who arrived before 7 a.m. to be first in line, a title she had been trying to claim for the past two years.

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What they’re saying

“It just says that we're tough, and there are things that are really important to us. It's just a part of community.”

— Jerry Protextor, Retired pastor

“It's a sense of unity. It's a tradition for many families.”

— Diane DeLeon, Co-owner of Moorhead Dairy Queen

“Usually there's a little bit of a line after a bit, so you gotta get here before they start. It's momentous that this is the start of spring, no matter what the temperature. This starts it, going to the DQ, getting your first ice cream of the season.”

— Julie Bergseid

The takeaway

The annual March 1 opening of the Moorhead Dairy Queen demonstrates the power of community traditions and the human desire for familiar comforts, even in the face of harsh winter conditions. This event brings people together, provides a sense of hope and unity, and marks the symbolic start of spring for this Minnesota town.