Minnesota Dairy Queen's Annual March 1 Opening Draws Crowds

Despite the winter weather, customers line up for ice cream treats at the 77-year-old Moorhead Dairy Queen

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Every year on March 1, the Moorhead Dairy Queen in Minnesota opens for the season, drawing crowds of customers eager to enjoy the shop's unique ice cream treats. Despite the often frigid temperatures, people brave the cold to be the first in line, with some arriving before 7 a.m. to secure their spot. The annual tradition is seen as a sign of the community's resilience and the hope of spring, even in the midst of winter.

Why it matters

The Moorhead Dairy Queen's March 1 opening has become a beloved tradition in the community, representing the enduring spirit of the region and the anticipation of warmer weather to come. The event brings people together and provides a sense of unity, even during challenging times.

The details

The 77-year-old walk-up ice cream shop offers a variety of unique treats, including the Mr. Malty (a chocolate malt frozen on a stick), Curly Shakes (a shake on the bottom and a sundae on top), Monkey Tails (frozen bananas dipped in chocolate), and discontinued Blizzard flavors. Customers can only find certain items, like the butterscotch milkshake, at this specific Dairy Queen location.

  • The Moorhead Dairy Queen opens every year on March 1, regardless of the weather.
  • Some customers arrive before 7 a.m. to be the first in line, a coveted position that brings yearlong bragging rights.

The players

Jerry Protextor

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

Troy and Diane DeLeon

The owners of the Moorhead Dairy Queen, who said the annual opening brings a sense of unity and tradition to the community.

Julie Bergseid

A customer who arrived before 7 a.m. to be first in line, a position she had missed out on 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 (ksgf.com)

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

— Diane DeLeon, Co-owner, Moorhead Dairy Queen (ksgf.com)

“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 (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The Moorhead Dairy Queen will remain open through the spring and summer seasons, serving customers their favorite ice cream treats.

The takeaway

The annual March 1 opening of the Moorhead Dairy Queen demonstrates the resilience and community spirit of the region, as customers brave the winter weather to partake in a beloved tradition that marks the start of spring, no matter the temperature.