Red River of the North: A Comedy of Errors
The Red River of the North, also known as the Red River, is a majestic river that flows northward through North Dakota, Minnesota, and Manitoba. It is a source of great pride for the people who live near it, and it has played an important role in the history of the region. But like all great things, the Red River has had its fair share of comedy of errors.
The Great Flood of 1997
In April of 1997, the Red River experienced one of its most catastrophic floods in history. The river swelled to nearly 55 feet, causing widespread devastation across North Dakota and Minnesota. But in the middle of all the chaos, there was a shining moment of hilarity.
As the floodwaters receded, a group of ducks was spotted swimming in the middle of Highway 81, which had been completely submerged just days before. The ducks had apparently found the flooded road to be the perfect spot for a leisurely swim, much to the amusement of onlookers.
The Fish that Changed Everything
In 1998, the state of Minnesota was forced to completely restructure its fishing regulations because of a strange turn of events on the Red River. A fish called the sheepshead had suddenly become the most abundant fish in the river, completely overshadowing other species like walleye and northern pike.
The sheepshead has a reputation for being ugly and difficult to catch, so it was a source of ridicule for many fishermen. However, it was also delicious, and anglers quickly realized that they could make a fortune selling sheepshead to markets across the country. The sheepshead will forever be remembered as the fish that turned the fishing industry on its head.
The Great Car-Boat Race
In 1999, a group of friends near Fargo, North Dakota decided to have some fun with their cars and boats. They united the two by strapping an outboard motor to the back of a car and attempting to drive it across the Red River.
The car-boat hybrid was surprisingly effective, and the group managed to make it across the river with ease. The stunt quickly caught the attention of the media, and soon car-boat races were popping up all along the Red River. It was a goofy, lighthearted way to celebrate the river that had brought so much joy and laughter to the region.
Conclusion
The Red River of the North may be a massive body of water, but it has also been the site of some of the most delightful and hilarious moments in the region’s history. Whether it’s ducks swimming in the middle of a flooded highway or a fish causing chaos in the fishing industry, there’s always something to laugh about on the Red River. So if you’re ever feeling down, take a trip to the Red River and have a good chuckle at the silly antics of the people (and animals) who love it.