There’s no question those of us who live in North Dakota, like parades. We see them everywhere when the weather co-operates. And, we sometimes see them leading up to Christmas when it can get quite cold.
We have community parades, high school parades, college parades, kiddie parades and even parades for special events, like a big cookout or something.
And it all seems to lead up to the biggest parade of all, the North Dakota State Fair in Minot in late July.
That parade has always been quite an event, but in recent years has grown and has seen some interesting and unusual entries.
One of the earliest “summer” parades, however, that we will see is Williston Band Day on May 11. Much like the State Fair parade, Band Day has grown recently and just about every kid in western North Dakota who is in a school band, looks forward to spending that day on the streets of Williston.
That’s only the beginning. There are numerous others that sometimes include car shows, craft shows, livestock shows and beer fests.
In reality, the parade season has already kicked off with the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Fargo on March 15. Not a terribly large parade for the city of Fargo mind you, but it’s been consistent for a number of years and those who are Irish, or claim to be Irish, show up to enjoy it.
Following are just a few of other seasonal excitement that will be coming this summer across the state of North Dakota. They include:
Devils Run Parade and Car Show in Devils Lake, May 30-June1; Buggies and Blues in Mandan, June 7 and 8; Rhubarb Festival in Rugby, June 8; Irrigation Days in Oakes, June 12-15; Rods and Hogs car show in Jamestown, June 14; Rally in the Valley in Valley City, June 14; the Hazelton Community Day parade, June 21; the Pembina Hills Show and Shine in Walhalla, TBA; the Independence Day parade in Mandan, July 4; the 4th of July parade in Berthold; 4th of July parade in Carrington; Elgin Days, July 10-13; Makoti Threshing Show, July 13 and 14; the State Fair parade July 19; Langdon Days, July 18-20; Rock the Block Dakota Territory Car Show in Bowman, July 27; the Deuce of August parade in Mountain (Pembina County) Aug 2; the Chokecherry Festival in Williston, Aug. 8; and the Rods and Rock Car Show in Carson Aug. 16.
There are undoubtedly others I’m sure I missed, and if I did, I apologize to those communities and/or organizations that may have been overlooked. Those listed have already been advertised or placed on social media calendars so interested people can begin setting their schedules for the parade or festival of their choosing.
In reality, all you have to do is an internet search for parades and festivals in any community in North Dakota, and you’ll find something.
As an example, not many of us outside of southeastern North Dakota know about Kathryn, a small community south of Valley City. As it turns out, Kathryn, population 64, is having its 125th celebration on June 6, starting at 7 p.m. It appears there’s going to be a big party in Kathryn the first Friday in June.
For a number of years, we’ve all experienced the centennial parties across the state. Those were huge and had special meaning if you grew up in one of the communities celebrating its centennial. There doesn’t appear to be any centennial celebrations this year, but numerous other festivals could rise to the occasion.
And when we look at all the parades, car shows and festivals in North Dakota, it is suggested that the Deuce of August is the most unusual for a variety of reasons.
It celebrates Icelandic culture because many immigrants to Pembina County came from Iceland. Gimli, Manitoba, Spanish Fork, Utah and Minneota, Minn., are among only a handful of communities like it in North America.
And because of its heritage, the festival includes Icelandic dignitaries in the parade, Icelandic food and an official contingent from the Icelandic government. It’s actually bigger and better than some festivals in Iceland and anyone with Icelandic heritage will tell you that.
