The wide slate of activities at the expo included squats, deadlifts, and amateur boxing.

FARGO, N.D. – Fitness enthusiasts of many different stripes filled the Hilton Garden Inn on Saturday for a first-of-its-kind event.

The Winter Classic Expo combined powerlifting, strongman competitions, and amateur boxing.

The event was co-sponsored by Dakota Barbell, who oversaw the lifting aspects of the program, while the non-profit Define the Fight sponsored the amateur boxing.

Event organizers say that showcasing multiple disciplines under one roof in this way is common for big, national competitions.

“I’ve competed at the world stages at the Olympia, the Arnold Classic,” explained Jason Ehlert, ND State Chairman of the American Powerlifting Organization.

“I’ve always wanted to bring something like that here to Fargo. So multiple events – powerlifting, strongman, and boxing. Something that spectators can come in and watch multiple events.”

Ehlert went on to say that the registration numbers and turnout they saw for this first Winter Classic were so good they’ve already begun planning a second installment.