It has been such a fun summer in North Dakota, we’ve been out enjoying our beautiful state … unfortunately, we haven’t blogged in over a month. Shame on us. Now that we’ve satisfied our Catholic/Lutheran guilt, here’s some ways for you to get out and enjoy our state through these great events and happenings.
Enjoy!
Late July is red, white and blue in North Dakota
What’s more red, white and blue than a state fair? The North Dakota State Fair is back and better than ever with concerts, contests and the greatest fair fare. Fargo and Grand Forks host blues events and the Red River is the site of fishing tournaments. To find more information about these activities, and for a complete list of events, go to NDtourism.com or call 800-435-5663 or 701-328-2525.
Plane Fun! Hillsboro Fly-In
Hillsboro
July 19
Fly-ins are opportunities for pilots to fly-in and neighbors to drive-in and enjoy a meal together. The burgers will be good. But up-close access to the variety of airplanes is legendary. www.ndac.aero/events.htm; 701-328-9653
Fargo’s Downtown Street Fair
Fargo
July 19-21
Stroll through blocks of outdoor booths selling handmade arts and crafts. Enjoy awesome food and great entertainment in historic downtown Fargo. www.fmdowntown.com; 701-241-1570
15th annual Drayton Riverfest
Drayton
July 19-22
There is something for everyone on the banks of the Red River, including food, music, parade, fireworks, Supper at the Soddy at 5 p.m. at Blessing Square, science exploration activities, mud volleyball, motorcycle run and more. www.draytonnd.com; 701-454-3474
37th annual North Dakota Governor’s Cup Walleye Derby
Garrison
July 20-21
A total of 252 teams race out onto Lake Sakakawea for the 37th annual derby. After two days of fishing, they return for weigh-ins to see who’s going to be crowned champions. The Governor’s Cup for ages 17 and under is July 21. www.ndgovernorscup.com; 800-799-4242 or 701-337-5576
Christmas in July
Icelandic State Park, near Cavalier
July 20-22
Christmas is coming early to Icelandic State Park where campers decorate their campsites for Christmas. Also enjoy the kids’ bike parade and evening entertainment. www.parkrec.nd.gov; 701-265-4561
McVille Days
McVille
July 20-22
There’s something for everyone including dances, children’s games, canoe races, barbecues, golf tournament, bingo, aerial show, dessert bake-off, and parade. www.mcville.com; 701-322-4343
Vinnie’s Mud Bog
Lidgerwood
July 20-22
Time to get down and dirty with mud pits open for trucks and ATVs. Competition obstacle courses will be set up for four-wheel-drives and two-wheel-drives. www.vinniesmudbog.com; 701-640-0441
North Dakota State Fair
Minot
July 20-28
The North Dakota State Fair returns with a stellar concert lineup to include Kid Rock, Zac Brown Band, Blake Shelton, and Foreigner to name a few. Take part in the exciting midway games, ag shows, action-packed NPRA rodeo and, of course, unbeatable fair food. www.ndstatefair.com; 701-857-7620
Art and Wine Walk
Grand Forks
July 21
Stroll the downtown area and sample an assortment of fine wines while viewing great works by talented regional artists. http://www.visitgrandforks.com/event-calendar/art-wine-walk-2012; 701-746-0444
Family Rocket Day
Bismarck
July 21
Gateway to Science staff will help you build and launch your very own rockets while you watch the rocket launches of professional rocketeers. http://gatewaytoscience.org/; 701-258-1975
Rod and Reel Rally Catfishing Tournament
Drayton
July 21
Anglers compete in the Red River of the North’s only whopper catfishing tournament and have a chance to cash in a $30,000 bonus for breaking the North Dakota state channel catfish record. www.draytonnd.com/AnnualEvents/RodReelRally/tabid/774/Default.aspx; 701-454-6184
10th annual Praise on the Prairie Music Festival
Hazen
July 26-28
Bring a chair and a tent and enjoy several genres of music, including Christian rock (Thursday night), country and gospel music (Friday and Saturday). Concessions and canopies for shade provided. www.praiseontheprairie.com; 701-870-4584
Old Fashioned Saturday
Northwood
July 26-29
Spend the weekend enjoying a parade, concerts and street dance, demolition derby, craft show, games, golf tournaments, water carnival, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, car show and 5-K walk and run. www.discovernorthwood.com/news.htm; 701-587-5370
Halloween in July
Bottineau
July 27-28
Everyone is encouraged to bring costumes and candy, decorate campsites and participate in all of Lake Metigoshe State Park’s spooky events. www.parkrec.nd.gov/parks/lmsp/lmsp.html; 701-263-3281Bottom of Form
Fargo Blues Festival
Fargo
July 27-28
Don’t miss any of the 12-band blues explosion featuring world-class bands, great food and plenty of beverages on the grass at Newman Outdoor Field. http://www.fargobluesfest.com/; 218-287-7775
Heggyfest
Finley
July 27-28
The band “Firehouse” headlines this two-day community festival that also includes a golf tournament. http://finleynd.com/finley-days/; 701-524-1680
Taylor Horsefest and Musical
Taylor
July 27-28
It’s all about horses. Events include demonstrations, parade, musical and cowboy poetry, entertainment and food booths. www.taylorhorsefest.com/events.htm; 877-757-7545 or 701-974-4210
Ukrainian Festival
Dickinson
July 27-29
Celebrate the area’s strong Ukrainian heritage with music, Ukrainian dancers, food and activities. http://ucitoday.org/VYTAIEMO-Welcome.html; 800-279-7391
Blues on the Red
Grand Forks
July 28
Enjoy an evening of great blues music from some of the top musicians in the country. Vendors will be on site selling pizza, burgers and barbecue. www.visitgrandforks.com; 701-772-8404
Do and Discover
Ellendale
July 28
This year’s Do and Discover features historic re-enactors, lunch, Lego building, horse care lessons and old-time photographs. http://www.ellendalend.com/; 701-349-2916
Cats Incredible Catfish Days
Grand Forks
July 28-29
Not just a fishing tournament! Top anglers compete while others enjoy a chili cook-off, beer garden, food vendors, live entertainment, games and contests. www.gochamber.org; 701-772-7271
Northern Great Plains Culture Fest
Knife River Indian Villages, Stanton
July 28-29
Learn about the people who first inhabited the area through cultural demonstrations and presentations of the lives of people that lived on the Plains. www.nps.gov/knri; 701-745-3300
These are just a few of North Dakota activities and events taking place in late July. For more information, go to NDTourism.com or phone 701-328-2525 or 800-435-5663.
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