What is your favorite summer celebration in North Dakota and why?
GOOD OL’ FOURTH
My favorite summer celebration in North Dakota is the Fourth of July. We attend a small community event, which has been a fun-filled day for many years.
The day starts promptly at 9 a.m., with someone singing the national anthem. Then the parade starts, with horse riders carrying the national flag and the Christian flag. The parade consists of floats created by local businesses and families. This is followed by races at the baseball field. Any age can participate and all the littles win a quarter for participating.
After the races, spectators are treated to a tug-of-war, and the winners get a free watermelon slice.
While visiting, everyone can purchase lunch at the concessions, which always has homemade pies and the favorite, cantaloupe and ice cream.
You can then try your hand at a softball game for all ages, where the 10 year olds play with the 60 year olds.
The day ends with a fish fry and then we watch fireworks over the mighty Missouri River.
It is one of the best memories and events of my summer. I have been doing this for over 50 years, and the time spent with family and friends makes it spectacular.
Sheila Vander Wal
McLean Electric Cooperative
RED, WHITE, BLUE
My favorite summer celebration is on the Fourth of July. I like the parades, the family gatherings, picnics, reunions and the fireworks.
However, I am disappointed in all those who do not stand in honor of our flag when it passes in a parade. It also disappoints me to hear our national anthem sung by those who do not follow the actual music, but add their extra trills.
Marlene Kouba
Slope Electric Cooperative
CELEBRATING JULY 4
My favorite celebration is the celebrating of Independence Day. Why? Because its America’s birthday, and you get to go to parades at small towns. You also get to see and visit with your friends.
Allen Eberle
KEM Electric Cooperative
PEACEFUL FLOWERS
Honk! Honk! Here come the geese on their way north to Canada. Their last stop is in North Dakota near the famous International Peace Garden. Let me take you for a quick tour through one of North Dakota’s “forgotten attractions.”
There are rows upon rows filled with shrubs, trees and flowers. Did you want plants to take home? Did you know you can buy a bird of paradise or a rare hosta variety? After you finish browsing the store, continue your tour of over 500 kinds of flowers, bushes and trees.
Looking for recreation or games? Be our guest. Or perhaps you’d like to spend some contemplation time in our nice little chapel.
Oh! I must mention you can buy an annual membership for $50, so you could enjoy different blooms all year long.
Horace Greeley said, “Go West, young man.” But I say, “Go north, everyone, go north!”
Joan Jones
Formerly Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative
SUMMER PICNICS
Summer is the time for family and friends to gather for picnics. Special food and special friends make it special, especially family who are meaningful. It means getting to travel to interesting places we’ve not seen before and will be able to see again.
Ann Luithle
Roughrider Electric Cooperative
