Dive into North Dakota heritage and culture in early August Posted on 7/27/2010
Early August is filled with activities and events where you can experience cultural foods, hand-crafted arts and exhilarating entertainment for the whole family. Whether you're in it to win it, kicking up your heels or sitting back and enjoying the ride, this month is jam-packed with some of North Dakota's best-loved events. So pack up the family and create your own adventure. To find more information about these annual events, or for a complete list of events, go to NDtourism.com or call 800-435-5663 or 701-328-2525.
Adams County Fair Hettinger August 4-7
This year's fair will have 4-H and open class exhibits, livestock shows, special events and activities. Be sure to stick around for the Cream Can Supper and entertainment by Borderline Singer & Borderline Strings on Saturday. www.hettingernd.com; 701-567-2531
Best in the West Ribfest Watford City August 6
Tantalize your taste buds, enjoy the sweet and spicy barbecue scents wafting in the air and join the many ribfesters as they experience the samplings offered by cooking teams from across the country. A variety of kid's activities will be on hand, and live music by the Taylor Brothers will encourage you to kick up your heels. http://www.4eyes.net; 1-800-701-2804
Kids Weekend Icelandic State Park August 6-8
This entire weekend is devoted to kids with games, entertainment, contests and tons of excitement. So feel free to sit back and relax while they burn off some energy! www.parkrec.nd.gov; 701-265-4561
Horse and Buggy Days Forman August 7
Pack up the whole family for horse and buggy rides around town. Try hot-off-the-grill buffalo burgers and take a tour of the 25,000-square-foot Sargent County Museum. http://www.sargentcountymuseum.org; 701-724-3720 or 701-724-3194
Rendezvous Art Festival Walhalla August 7
This rendezvous features local art, entertainment, food vendors, historic performances and plenty to do for young and old. 701-549-3939
Capital A'Fair State Capitol Grounds, Bismarck August 7-8
One of the region's largest and finest exhibitions of art, crafts, food and entertainment held on the North Dakota Capitol Grounds. www.bismarck-art.org; 701-223-5986
25th Annual Village Fair Prairie Village Museum, Rugby August 8
The 25th annual Village Fair comes alive with live music and pioneer demonstrations for all ages. www.prairievillagemuseum.com; 701-776-6414
Seventh Annual Midwest Waterfowl Fest Scheels, Fargo August 13-14
Weekend events include youth seminars, dog jumping, duck and goose calling contests and guest speakers. Food and product vendors will also be present. www.fargoparks.com/se_waterfowlfest.html; 01-298-2918
Barbecue Cook off Rutland August 14
Enjoy the fare as competitors vie for prizes in a barbecue rib cook-off. Test your luck and compete against others with your special recipe. Prizes for first, second and third place. After a day filled with trying all kinds of tasty ribs, dance the night away at that night's street dance. www.rutlandnd.com;701-724-3784 or 701-724-3610
Fourth Annual Chokecherry Festival Williston August 14
This fun-filled festival kicks off with a pancake breakfast with chokecherry syrup. There is a 5K road race, a parade, special games, and family entertainment throughout the day. Also, there are craft and food vendors in the park. http://www.visitwilliston.com/; 800-615-9041
Heritage Days Heritage Village, East Grand Forks August 14-15
Celebrate our region's heritage and culture with events like a pancake breakfast, parade, steam threshing and weaving demonstrations, antique tractor pull, community dinner, live entertainment and much more. www.egfheritage.com; 701-740-2066
Indian Arts Showcase Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, Williston August 14-15
Special presentations by members of Assiniboine, Arikara, Mandan, Hidatsa, Crow, Lakota and Blackfeet tribes. Traditional American Indian singing and dancing, as well as artisans displays. Also traditional Indian games, learning Indian sign language and use of traditional paints. www.nps.gov/fous; 701-572-9083
These are just a few of North Dakota activities and events taking place in early August. For more information, go to NDtourism.com or phone 701-328-2525 or 800-435-5663.
North Dakota has been designated the most affordable state to visit by AAA. Follow North Dakota Tourism on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TravelND or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NorthDakotaTour and get tips on what to see and do all year long. Make your North Dakota vacation more enjoyable by planning ahead and making hotel reservations in advance.
