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.

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.

There was an important meeting Wednesday afternoon at the Walhalla Inn.   It was called Back to North Dakota:  Coming Full Circle.  Guest speaker was Patti Knobbe,  Norfolk Nebraska Area Recruiters.  I was invited to the meeting to see what it was all about.  Patti spoke on how to attract graduates back to the community that raised them.  People from the whole tri-county attended the meeting.  I even got my picture taken with Lynette and Patti!!

The eighth grade class from the Walhalla Public School presented a project called the Living Museum. Everyone portrayed the character they researched. This event was open to the public free of charge. Great time and kids were excellent.

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”  

BS BBQ Rib Queens “Throw Down” 

Walhalla’s 2008 Rendezvous Rib Fest will be held June 14th 2008.  BS BBQ Rib Queens will be there with their crowns on and sauce brewing ready for the “rib throw down”.  This will the 3rd year that the Walhalla Area Chamber of Commerce and Walhalla Inn have hosted the “Rendezvous Rib Fest”.  It has turned into a regional event to meet, eat and greet family and friends.  Mark your calendar and competitors “fear” the BS BBQ “Rib Queens”.  Wally already has his 2008 Taste Kit.   2007 Winners BS BBQ Rib Queens & Light Grilling.  

Photo’s Steve Lorenz                              

Walhalla held their 4th Annual Giant Pumpkin Festival, Saturday, September 29,2007 and what a day it was.  Five giant pumpkins were raised in the Walhalla area and for the second year in a row Walhalla had the heaviest giant pumpkin in North Dakota.  The grand prize winner weighed in at 792 lbs. this year. The day’s festivities included the farmers market, many contests including pie eating, seed spitting, egg tossing, pumpkin pie tasting, carved or painted pumpkins and for the first time a Pumpkin Princess contest.  A local baton group called Quiet Storm provided entertainment through out the morning.  Because this event is in conjunction with the farmers market there is also heaviest vegetable contests which prove to show that vegetables really do grow LARGE in North Dakota.  Walhalla’s Giant Pumpkin Festival has always been free to the public.The commitee has successfully orginazed this festival for the past four years.  Walhalla’s 5th Annual Giant Pumpkin Festival will be held this year on September 27, 2008 on Main Street in Walhalla. 

Wally spent “Winter Fun Day’ at Frost Fire Ski Lodge, he met Sara Otte-Coleman, ND Tourism Director, shook hands with Dick and Judith Johnson, owners of Frost Fire, met the Ski Patrol and learned all about skiing safe, went skiing with Molly and warmed up by the fire.  

Nothing better than spending “Winter Fun Day” at Frost Fire Ski Lodge.                                     

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.