August is teeming with unique events in North Dakota Posted on 7/29/2009
North Dakota Tourism/Gene Kellogg
For more information, contact: Sara Otte Coleman, Director, Tourism Division North Dakota Department of Commerce 701-328-2525
There's still plenty of time and lots of things to do before you ship the kids back to school. Join in as Casselton tries to set a record for the most fire trucks in a parade. Or hoof it to Sentinel Butte where some of the best pro rodeo bronc riders go head-to-head with some of the best rodeo stock at the Champions Ride. Don't let summer get away without one last wild ride. 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
Indian Arts Showcase Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, Williston August 1-2
Special presentations by members of Assiniboine, Arikara, Mandan, Hidatsa, Crow, Lakota and Blackfeet tribes. Traditional Native American 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
Capital A'Fair Bismarck August 1-2
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
Knife River Days Stanton August 1-2
Annual event includes 5-K walk/run on the scenic byway, kids games, bake sales, parade and entertainment throughout the night with a free street dance. Chuckwagons are available all day. 701-745-3267
CANDISC Bicycle Tour Starts at Fort Stevenson State Park, near Garrison August 1-8
Cycle the picturesque haunts of legendary Sitting Bull and the Dakota Territory Frontier Army between huge Lake Sakakawea and Devils (Spirit) Lake. Visit historic Fort Totten and Fort Stevenson Guardhouse. www.parkrec.nd.gov/recreation/activities/candisc.htm; 701-463-2345
Champions Ride Rodeo Home on the Range, Sentinel Butte August 2
Some of the best professional saddle bronc riders in the world compete in two short-go rounds and a final long-go. www.gohotr.org; 701-872-3745
Adams County Fair Hettinger August 6-8
4-H and open class exhibits, livestock shows, special events and activities. www.hettingernd.com; 701-567-2531
Kids Weekend Icelandic State Park August 7-9
Entire weekend devoted entirely to kids with games, entertainment, contests and lots of excitement. www.parkrec.nd.gov; 701-265-4561
Village Fair Rugby August 9
The 24th annual Prairie Village Museum comes alive with live music and pioneer demonstrations for all ages. 701-776-6414
Cass County Summerfest Casselton August 13-16
Car Cruise to Casselton, 5-K fun run with parade, crafts in the park, music in the park, water fight, steak dinner and street dance. www.casselton.com; 701-347-4540
Midwest Waterfowl Fest Scheels, Fargo August 14-15
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 701-298-2918
World Record Fire truck Parade Casselton August 15
An attempt will be made to set a world record as part of Cass County Summerfest. Nearly 200 fire trucks are expected to be in the parade. www.casscountysummerfest.com; 701-361-0773
Barbecue Cook off Rutland August 15
Enjoy the fare as competitors vie for prizes in a barbecue rib cook off. www.rutlandnd.com; 701-724-3784 or 701-724-3610
Fort Buford Encampment Fort Buford State Historic Site, Williston August 15-16
Northern Plains Heritage Festival Prairie Outpost Village, Dickinson August 15-16
Enjoy a variety of regional ethnic foods offered to the public along with entertainment. www.dickinsoncvb.com; 701-225-2416
Pioneer Days Bonanzaville, West Fargo August 15-16
North Dakota pioneer experience with music, demonstrations and a parade. www.bonanzaville.com; 701-282-2822
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 received two legendary designations in 2008 – most affordable (AAA) and friendliest (Cambridge University).
