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Bismarck, N.D. (AP) Three North Dakota companies are taking part in what's billed as one of the region's largest gift shows this weekend.

Fargo-based Mable's Taste of Home, Leeds-based North Prairie Signature and Fargo-based Special Essentials are showing their products at the Minneapolis Gift and Accessory Show.

Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson says it's an opportunity for the companies to find new markets in surrounding states and to make contacts with dealers in a major metropolitan area.

The three companies are part of Pride of Dakota, a program started by the state Agriculture Department in 1985 to promote products made by North Dakota businesses.

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