FARGO — A new business aims to open later this year that plans to offer trolley tours of downtown Fargo.
The trolley comes with a hitch, of sorts, as passengers will get the job of propelling it.
But that's part of the fun, according to Thomas Stromme, who along with Dawson Schefter is a co-founder of Fargo Pedal Tours.
The pair recently gave a presentation to Fargo's Liquor Control Committee , though the business is not looking for a liquor license.
Instead, it will need a vehicle-for-hire license, similar to what the city provides operators of party buses.
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Stromme said the company plans to purchase a pedal-powered trolley soon, with delivery of the vehicle expected by early May.
He said they hope to begin hosting tours this spring.
The human-powered style conveyance will accommodate 10 pedaling patrons and four non-pedaling patrons and it will be piloted by an employee of Fargo Pedal Tours.
Stromme said the plan is to have tours depart from Fargo Brewing Co. and return to the brewery after about a 90-minute tour of Fargo's downtown and nearby neighborhoods.
Stromme said the trolley will make one or two stops during the tour for refreshments at downtown establishments.
A bar that rings the vehicle will have cupholders for beverages.
It will be a bring-your-own drink type of set up, so a liquor license isn't required, unlike similar pedal-vehicle proposals the city has seen in the past, Fargo City Auditor Steve Sprague told the Liquor Control Committee.
Likewise, Sprague said, alcoholic beverages consumed on the trolley won't fall under the category of open container.
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The business expects to operate six to eight months out of the year, with tours taking place in the afternoon and early evening, with the last ride ending 30 minutes to an hour after sunset, according to Stromme.
Tours will show off Fargo's history and some may include dropping clients off at special events, like tailgating parties at North Dakota State University, Stromme said.
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