There was no shortage of notable individuals who came to the Battlefords in 2013.
Greg Johnson, the Tornado Hunter, was chased by a howling blizzard on his way to a presentation before the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists in March.
Bernard Valcourt, federal minister of aboriginal affairs, helped cut the ribbon to open the Atoskewin Success Centre in October.
Colleen Sutton, RiderGirl, was at the Battlefords' Best Business Showcase and Trade Fair in October to promote her upcoming show at the Dekker Centre.
Former Saskatchewan Roughriders star Matt Dominguez, now broker of record with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, spoke at the Battlefords Best Business Showcase and Trade Fair kickoff luncheon at the Dekker Centre Oct. 24.
Well-known standup comedian Louie Anderson performed at Gold Eagle Casino in November - one of many notable entertainers to grace the Battlefords this past year.
Andrew Albers, who made the major leagues in 2013 as starting pitcher with the Minnesota Twins, was welcomed home to North Battleford in triumph at a banquet in his honour Nov. 2.
Premier Brad Wall met the party faithful at a summer barbecue at WDM in July.
The four NDP leadership contenders - Ryan Meili, Trent Wotherspoon, Erin Weir and Cam Broten - were in North Battleford at a leadership forum event at WDM in late January.
Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive tackle Keith Shologan and team chaplain Barret Kropf spoke at the annual Mayors' Prayer Breakfast in North Battleford in April.
Former Regina mayor, now CEO of Tourism Saskatchewan, Pat Fiacco visited the city in early May for a tourism luncheon.
Lieutenant Governor Vaughn Schofield was on hand in North Battleford for its May 1 centennial ceremonies in Central Park.
And it wasn't just accomplished athletes, pop culture icons and high-ranking politicians who passed through the Battlefords in 2013.
In November, ballet master Jamie Vargas spent time with students of the Dance Connection as well as McKitrick School. And the Canadian director of the Royal Academy of Dance, Clarke MacIntosh, visited the Dance Connection summer school in August.
Tenor Spencer McKnight, a contender in a national level competition held in Ontario this year, performed at a recital presented by the Summer School of the Solo Voice in July.
Handel's Messiah, presented by 75 Saskatchewan singers and featuring local mezzo-soprano Lisa Hornung, graced the Gordon Tootoosis Stage at the Dekker Centre in December.
