Walhalla, ND

Every year there is an international Golf tournament the last weekend in July, that takes place over 3 days and this year I got to watch.  The cities that participate include Langdon and Walhalla in North Dakota and Winkler and Morden in Manitoba.This year there was over 750 golfers.  The American Legion Auxiliary from Walhalla had a money making project, I tried to play the game but just wasn’t quite tall enough.  I did get to meet a  team from Walhalla made up of Dave Heibert, Dale Andersen, Sheldon Romfo and Bill Zeller.

Saturday July 5th the Gorge Arts & Heritage Council held their Rendezvous Art & Heritage Festival in Riverside Park. There was a full day of events with visitors like Antoine Gingras and Pierre Bottineau who talked about the history in Walhalla.  There was a blacksmith, baton twirlers, fiddlers, a wood carver and good food.  This event was free and lasted until everyone set by the bonfire at dusk. 

Friday evening during the 4th of July Extravaganza weekend, Chamber Director Liann Zeller orchestrated a Musical entitled Tribute to Country music.  Minnie Pearl was the MC while the singers included Boxcar Willy, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline and Martina McBride. There were two comedians called 2×4 and Stick.  All of the performers were local people who love to sing and act.  This event was free and held in the park.  Everyone seemed to enjoy the show, maybe it will be done again in the future.

The Parade was great.  Takes alot of work to get a parade going.  Many entries,  all were wonderful.  I put a few on just to get an idea on how much fun the parades are.  We always end up with water balloons or squirt guns along the parade.  Kids always enjoy getting candy,  a few grownups get involved also.  Fun, Fun, Fun.

The third annual ribfest got going dispite the windy, cold weather on Saturday June 28th.  There were six rib cooking teams.  Young and Old, everyone had a great time sampling all the ribs and goodies made by the teams.  The Fighting Sioux Goodribs team won Rib King honors and the BS BBQ Rib Queens won the Peoples Choice Award. 

We had a wonderful time with the bike riders when they got to town.  Wally had a great time with all the bikers.  This bike tour is for all ages and families.  Some took a bus tour of the Gorge and the Gingras Trading Post.  Music and Food in the Park before retiring.  Then, up bright and early for breakfast and off they go again. 

Saturday June 14th ADM held their annual safety fair, which is a fair to promote safety in the community. There was free blood sugar testing, fingerprinting for your children, free food , bouncy house and train rides.  This event brings in everyone from the community.  

Having a carnival to raise money for Mission Jamaica.  Group of volunteers go to Jamaica and help with many different task.  Everyone young and old had a good time.  If you would like more information on Mission Jamaica contact the Walhalla Lutheran Church Parsonage at 549-2370.

Monday night May 12th the Walhalla Chamber of Commerce sponsored a meet and Greet the candidates running for city council and park board.  The food was great and the evening was very informal but informative.  There are 11 candidates running for city council and 4 candidates running for park board.  5 candidates were there out of 11 for city council and 3 out of the 4  for park board.  Dorothy Robinson explained how to vote in Pembina County this year.  I guess we have to send our votes in by mail I wonder if I get to vote??  Mr. Harvey Hope and his family were there, Mr Hope  is running for State Senator in the 10th District.  Kathy Stremick was also on hand, she is running for State Representative in the 10th District.  Liann was the MC for the evening talking to all the candidates and Mayor Harvey Clark.

The 37th annual Brush Bunch Art Show was held Sunday May 4th at the American Legion in Walhalla.  It was a beautiful day to get out and see the art.  I have met a lot of people that were displaying art that day but I didn’t know I would meet Deirdre’s bird in the beautiful garden display, I don’t think he liked me very well.    There is so much artistic talent in Walhalla someday it will be an art destination.