Arnegard’s July 4th celebration will be smaller
By Jack Dura
Farmer Staff Writer
Arnegard’s decades-old Fourth of July celebration could be lacking in events if more volunteers don’t lend a hand.
Jen Schwartz, Arnegard Booster Club president, said five volunteers are working on this year’s celebration, far short of the 20 that would allow for more events and efforts.
“We are hoping to have other things going on but I’m still trying to pull people,” she said.
Put on for years by Arnegard’s older generation, Schwartz said finding younger people to fill their shoes has been a challenge.
“To really do everything we wanted to do for the Fourth, 20 (volunteers) would be great,” Schwartz said, “but we’re getting close and I don’t see it happening.”
The day’s parade, barbecue and fireworks are all a go, as is the Lions Club tractor pull, Schwartz added.
The parade will start at 11 a.m. Monday, July 4, followed by a barbecue lunch at noon and fireworks at dusk.
The Lions’ tractor pull is dependent on equipment, Schwartz said, but she’s certain it will happen.
“We’re hoping to have other things, but we’re still in the final stages trying to plan it,” she said.
If more volunteers come forward, Schwartz said the Boosters would be able to put up kids’ bouncy houses. A breakfast in the park is tentative for Sunday, July 3, with bingo and games to follow as well as a bison burger dinner.
“If you only have five people, you can’t keep everything going,” Schwartz said.
Arnegard’s Fourth had at least 10 more volunteers last year. Schwartz added some people do offer to help on July 4, but that makes planning difficult.
Schwartz has spread the word for help on Facebook, advertised in the McKenzie County Farmer, put signs up in Arnegard and gone person to person.
Arnegard’s Fourth of July celebration is at least 35 years ago, Schwartz said. She has been helping with the event since 2013.
Usually 800 people flock to Arnegard for the day, with up to 1,000 attending one year, Schwartz said. The celebration pulls people in from Alexander, Watford City and Grassy Butte.
Schwartz said she predicts a smaller turnout for this year, and hopes more volunteers turn out in the coming days.
“If I can get definites, I will plan things for that day. Otherwise we will plan on the main things for the Fourth of July,” Schwartz said. “My real goal is to have it be a real nice Fourth of July.”