Walhalla, ND

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. 

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.

Sunday when I was at the Ambulance breakfast there were some young ladies serving and cleaning up and when I enquired who they were, I was told they belong to a group called Quiet Storm.  I found out that they are a baton group that perform at sport and school functions and have their own recital every year.  They told me this year the group has been invited to perform at 4th of July, Rendezvous Art Festival and the Giant Pumpkin Festival.  I can hardly wait to see them in action.

Hey guess what it snowed lots Monday night just in time for the big Snow Fest and ND State Ride in Walhalla.  Everyone in town tell me all this snow is good for Walhalla and the area but I think its very deep as you can see.   Everyone is welcome to join in the “SNOWBALL FUN”  

       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.

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.