June 16, 2015

Watford City gears up for Homefest weekend

By Amy Robinson
Farmer Staff Writer

What was once a community of 1,500 people has now become something of the past. However, even with a community whose population  has increased 10-fold and whose landscape has physically changed, traditions that have been recognized for years still hold fast in Watford City. And one of those traditions whose roots still hold strong is the tradition of Homefest.
What once started as a one-time event to bring community members together for food, fun, and dancing has turned into an annual three-day event. And this year’s 2015 Homefest event promises to offer just that - food, fun, and dancing.
On Friday, June 26, and Saturday, June 27, the Long X Council on the Arts is hosting a two-daylong Art Show at the Long X Visitor Center from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. both Friday and Saturday. This year’s Art Show will feature Artist Miles Bendixson and Bronze Sculpture Artist Steve Lillegard.
Then, from 2 to 2:45 p.m. Friday, June 26, golfers are invited to register for the Trish Gravos Memorial Golf Scramble at the Fox Hills Golf Course. Tee-Off for the golf scramble will follow at 3 p.m.
Once golfers conclude their scramble, the community is invited to a free concert by North Dakota-born singer and former The Voice contestant Kat Perkins. She will perform at 8 p.m. on Main Street in Watford City.
“I think it’s going to be fun to be performing back in my home state of North Dakota,” says Kat Perkins, on her upcoming concert in Watford City. “Performing at events like Homefest reminds me of being home myself, especially with everything going on in the summertime. It was summertime that we’d all look forward to the street dances, block parties, festivals, etc. It’ll just feel good to be back in my home state, western North Dakota.”
All day Saturday, June 27, there will be food and craft vendors lining Main Street. There will also be a fun Kids Zone for children to participate in. And from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Watford City will host its very first ever annual Parade of Homes event, which will start at the Long X Visitor Center and will include 11 properties.
Then starting at noon on Main Street, there will be a baby pageant that parents can enter their babies in for a $10 fee, and have a chance at earning the coveted title of “Little Miss & Mister Homefest.” Following the baby pageant will be Starkydz “Summer Showdown” Beauty Pageant at 2 p.m. on Main Street for kids ages 0-18, all competing in various categories for a handful of titles. And every child will walk away with a crown. Registration for this pageant is $40 and registration deadlines for both pageants is June 19.
Once the pageants conclude, an award presentation will be held for the Parade of Homes winners. The presentation will be held at 7:45 p.m. on Main Street, right before Watford City native Jessie Veeder & Outlaw Sippin’ take the stage to perform.
“Homefest has always been one of my favorite Watford City events,” says Veeder. “The tradition of it, the reconnecting with old friends, classmates and family, and welcomeing people home, is so important to the community. I’m happy to have a chance to perform and help my hometown celebrate.”
Concluding the weekend’s events will be Watford City First Lutheran Church’s Centennial celebration. At 8:30 a.m. Sunday morning, there will be a Scandinavian Coffee Social held at the First Lutheran Church, followed by a Dedication of the church at 9:30 a.m. Lutheran Mass after the Dedication will then take place at 10 a.m., and a lunch under the tent with music and a special program will follow the Lutheran Mass.
For more information on Homefest, visit the Watford City Area Chamber of Commerce’s website at watfordcitychamber.com.

WATFORD CITY WEATHER