Walhalla, ND

         Wally wants to invite everyone to Walhalla on Saturday, February 2., for the “Gorge Snowfest”,  ”State Snowmoblie Ride” and “Lady’s Day at Snowfest”.  Ladies if you are not participating in the state ride come to the Gorge Gallery from 10 - 4pm for; hands on art activities, cards, games, coffee, treats and door prizes. The snowmobliers breakfast at Walhalla Assembly of God Church starts at 10am. For more information on all activities call the Walhalla Chamber at 549-3939.

Gov. John Hoeven officially proclaimed January 19 as “Winter Fun Day’’, promoting tourism officials to shush down the slopes and rev up their snowmobiles and ski resorts and winter events across the state. The goal was to showcase the many winter activities, events and opportunities that can be found in every part of North Dakota.

  “In every region of North Dakota you can find a place that celebrates winter fun. We have family-friendly downhill skiing. We have snowboarding, tubing, ice fishing and snowmobile festivals. Miles of cross-country ski trails can be found at your local golf course or state park. winter fun is everywhere in this state,’’ said Sara Otte-Coleman, Tourism Director. Sara and her family celebrated Winter Fun Day at Frost Fire Ski Area west of Walhalla on Saturday.

Most of the state’s downhill ski areas have snow-making abilities and resort representatives emphasized their ability to ensure good runs and plenty of snow cover.

  “Often times when people look out the window and see very little snow, they forget that other area of the state either have snow or when it comes to ski runs can make snow,’’ Otte Coleman said.  

 Dick and Judith Johnson, owners of Frost Fire truly are leaders when it come to tourism and quality recreation.  Frost Fire Ski Lodge and Amphitheatre play a major role in Walhalla’s Tourism Action Plan.

Sara Otte-Coleman  meets Wally Moose and spent the day skiing with her family.

 CELEBRATION!  Horizons Study Circle and Leadership Plenty participates celebrated their success with a free Party in the Park before starting Community Visioning.  Action Plan Committees gave an update on what they had completed to date and shared their short and long term goals.  Everyone agreed that Study Circles and Leadership Plenty was a lot of hard work, very worth while and all would do it again.   A “community family” working and sharing together what a Great Accomplishment!

       The Gorge Art Gallery members decided during the Christmas season they would donate their time, talents and supplies for a free art class to all Walhalla Children. Nineteen students took part in creating their own ginger bread houses.  Lots of smiles, giggles, and laughter were heard all afternoon at the Gorge Art Gallery.  Thanks to all the members,of the gallery, the Walhalla Chamber, and the Degree of Honor for donating resources for the class.

Action Plan Committee “Welcome to Walhalla”  meet several times, each member meet with different area businesses and collected gifts, coupons, gift certificates etc…The group than ordered canvas totes that were imprinted by Ink Impressions a local business. The tote reads “Welcome to Walhalla “Heart” of the Rendezvous Region.  Totes are given to new members of the community.   The committee has done a wonderful job developing partnerships with local business and making every new family feel Welcome to Walhalla.  Shirely a member of the Welcome to Walhalla Action Committee is presenting Wally Moose with his welcome tote.

High school sweethearts, and families stood in line and waited as the doors opened to the Walla Theatre in 1950, to enjoy cinema at it’s finest. If the walls of the Walla Theatre could talk, the secrets of first dates, kisses and proposals would make the headlines. The smell of popcorn filled the theater until 1982 when the Walla Theater closed. Since 1982 the community has had the vision and goal to revitalize the Theatre, in 2006 the owners have donated the building to the community. The communities’ plans are to renovate the theater into a performing arts’ theater and cinema. Providing the arts in a rural community contributes to a well round education, cultural experience and family entertainment we want to offer our residents, especially the youth. Plans are to host year round events encompassing visual, fine, and performing arts, and cinemas.

The Walhalla Public School does not have a stage, making it difficult for the school to host performing arts’ events and lyceums. The renovation of the Theatre will give the school and community this opportunity.

Renovations consist of repairing the roof, expanding the stage area to accommodate large productions, add dressing rooms, update the plumbing, electrical, sound, and cosmetic improvements. Dr. Tom Isern from the North Dakota State University has partnered with NDSU Extension Center for  Community Vitatity and will help with the project and prepare the application for the Walla Theatre to be placed on the National Register of Historical Places. This project will benefit all area residents.

 The Gorge Arts and Heritage Council have taken the leadership in this project, and will continue to update the community on the progress.  If anyone would like to make a donation to the Walla Theatre Renovation Fund contact the Walhalla Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Tourism Action Plan Committee have been busy working on a Master Tourism Plan.   The committee decided to apply for funding through ND Park & Rec to develop the Pembina River Trail, which consist of three (3) canoe access points with floating docks along the Pembina River, Vang Bridge, Brick Mine Bridge and Riverside Park.  ND Park & Rec approved a grant of $41,000.00 and the committee raised the local match of $10,250.00 be developing partnerships with the City of Walhalla, Pembina County JDA and Cavalier County JDA.  Project is underway, docks have been ordered and construction will began at the three sites in the spring.  The committee also developed a partnership with ND Forest Service and applied for funding through DOT TE Program to development the Tetrault Woods State Forest Scenic Overlook. Waiting for approval from DOT.   This spring construction will also began at the Masonic Scenic Overlook, which was funded by the ND Scenic Byway fund.  The committee is also  developing a plan to expand hiking, biking and cross county trails for 2008-2009.  Tourism has great impact on the business community, therefore creating jobs in the area benefiting the unemployed.

A blog is like an interactive website, where communities can share their community activities and events daily.    It’s an easy way to let the public know what is going on in the area and visitors to the blog have the opportunity to comment and make suggestions. 

Jenise and Molly have fun during the blog training.