July 1, 2014

Arnegard welcomes the public to celebrate the Fourth of July

By Stephanie Allums
Farmer Staff Writer

McKenzie County doesn’t skip out on fun-filled weekends. If the celebrations aren’t in Watford, then Arnegard takes on the task.
Arnegard will host the Fourth of July celebration this Thursday and Friday. From a Spud Fest and a Veterans Dedication, to a craft fair and County Olympics, there will be enjoyment for all ages.
The Arnegard Booster Club has been diligently planning the 2014 Fourth of July celebration since last year.
For just $2, a button can be purchased which will cover admission into all Fourth of July events.
On Thursday, the Arnegard Spud Fest will kick off the weekend events. Serving will begin at 5 p.m. at Nelson Park in Arnegard. Judging will be at 5:30 p.m. There will be a 1st Place, 2nd Place and a People’s Choice Award.
Booster Club President Virginia Elliot said one of the “spud” entries will be Klubb - which is a special potato recipe that many locals enjoy.
The history of “spuds” runs deep in the Arnegard history. A man by the name of Sonny Arnegard once raised seed potatoes there. It is believed that he invented one type of potato, according to members of the Arnegard Booster Club. When the Arnegard School was open, the mascot was the “spuds.” Unfortunately, after the school closed in the early ’60s, the spuds became less prevalent and got lost in the history. But with the Spud Fest, the Booster Club is trying to bring back a bit of history.
There will be a Horseshoe Tournament at 6 p.m. near the Jack Bazer-Sonny Arnegard Baseball Diamond. Registration begins 30 minutes prior to the event. There will be music in the park provided by Rich and Kathy.
At 5 p.m., the Co-ed Softball Tournament will begin. To sign up as a team, contact Patrick Darrington at (701) 580-3023. All ages can participate. The tournament will wrap up on Friday.
On Friday, the Fourth of July Parade will begin at 11 a.m.
The Wilmington Lutheran Church Ladies Aid will be selling their pies from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until they run out. Last year, there were roughly 30 pies for sale and they expect about the same this year. People can purchase a whole pie, a slice of pie for $3, or a slice of pie with a scoop of ice cream for $3.50.
Some of the pies are so good that people request them each year, according to Becky Elliot, vice president of the Booster Club.
Throughout the day, there will be a craft fair with vendors set up selling merchandise at Nelson Park.
Jack & Jill is providing six bundles of meat - each one is a $50 value. Raffle tickets will be $5 each and winners will be announced at Nelson Park Friday afternoon.
From noon to 4 p.m., there will be “Fun on the Run,” inflatable kids entertainment, sponsored by Gen Bruins.
At noon, the Iver Arnegard family will sponsor a BBQ Beef lunch. It will be served by the Arnegard Lions Club members, who are also providing beans. And McKenzie County Bank is furnishing the ice cream cups.
Sue Arnegard said she and her husband, Cameron, will be donating nearly 400 pounds of beef.
Later in the afternoon there will be an Iver Arnegard Family Program at 1 p.m.; a Chaplain’s dedication to Veterans at 1:30 p.m.; Kids Old-Fashioned Games and a local Music Talent Show at 2:30 p.m.
Some of the old-fashioned children’s games will include the Watermelon Crawl, Tug-o-War, the Ducky Pluck, Quarters in a Sandbox, a Water Balloon Toss and more.
“All of the kids will get participation ribbons and candy,” Jennifer Schwartz, Booster Club treasurer said. “Everyone will be a winner.”
There will also be a train for kids to ride that will take them on a free tour around Arnegard.
The Arnegard Lions Club will cook and serve Hamburgers in the Park from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday.
The County Olympics will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Friday at the Arnegard Baseball Diamond.
There will be Hay Bale Rolling, Tug-O-War, Pig Wrestling, and Chicken ‘Drop’ Bingo.
Becky Elliot said her team from years ago still holds the record for the Pig Wrestling - seven seconds.
“You have to lift the pig and put it in the barrel butt first - without hurting the pig,” Elliot said. “Our pig just happened to work with us that day.”
At dusk on Friday night, there will be a Fireworks Display south of Arnegard School, sponsored by the Arnegard 10½ Club and the Arnegard Fire Department.
 

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