The 69th annual Old Settler's Day Celebration will be held in Alexander, ND August 28th, 29th and 30th as the community honors Alexander's First Responders and Fire Department. What started as neighbors and friends getting together after the harvest has evolved into three days of food, fun, vendors and entertainment with an extended invitation to surrounding communities. The beef for this year's Barbeque in the Park will be generously donated by Triangle Petroleum.
The celebration will kick off with a bonfire on Thursday at 7:00pm. For anyone interested in putting on their aprons, or simply doing some taste-testing, a chili cook-off will be going on Friday afternoon; contact Barb or Jamie Fixen for more information at 701-570-2011 or 701-770-2100. Later that evening, the Fireman's Competition will have Alexander's Fire Department squaring off with firemen from Arnegard, ND in a series of challenges that are sure to be fun for the participants and onlookers alike. Live music provided by White Water Willie will be in front of the fire hall to close out the day.
Saturday will be a full day of activities and events starting with a parade at 11:00am. Everyone is invited to the Barbeque in the Park followed by an honorary program recognizing the local EMS and Fire Department.
The afternoon has something to offer all ages; Alexander teachers and students will be manning the kid's carnival which includes bounce houses and games and there will be bingo in the park with opportunity to simply visit with friends and neighbors.
This is the second year that vendors and crafters have been part of the festivities, incorporated to ensure that people were kept interested and involved throughout the day. A variety of clothing and artwork will be available as well as Clever Container, Mary Kay, Vemma all-natural energy drink, Hello Tutu, food vending and a booth providing school board information. There are no vendor fees and anyone interested in setting up can contact Brittni Virden at City Hall for more information, 701-828-3461. Set up will begin at 10:00am Saturday on the north side of the park and participants are invited to stay as long as they like.
The Lewis and Clark Trail Museum will be open to the public giving an insight to the lifestyle had by the first settlers in the area. The 1914 school house, which is now home to the museum, will be open from 9:00am-6:00pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The Hiway Lounge Horseshoe Tournament will showcase the new horseshoe pits at the park with registration at 1:30pm and the celebration will wrap up with a street dance beginning at 9:00pm.
Buttons dedicated to this year's honorees are available prior to the festivities and throughout the three day event. They can be purchased at the Hiway Lounge or Alexander City Hall for $2.00 each.
Old Settler's Day Celebration not only proves to be a lot of fun for local residents, but also draws many people who grew up in the area and have moved away, making it a great time reconnect and celebrate a time-honored tradition.
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