The 78th annual Old Settler's celebration in Alexander, ND, takes place this Aug. 31-Sept. 2, and is honoring locals Walt and Susan Link for 2023.
Walter and Susan Link were both born and raised right in Alexander, and returned in 1972 to the Link family farm to operate it. Alongside Walt's brothers Marvin and Donald, they raised cattle, wheat, durum, and other crops. Susan ran her own beauty shop in town for several years, and were active members of the Lions Club, fire department, and Trinity Lutheran Church. Susan had a passion for animals, and raised both show-quality Collie dogs and Arabian horses.
Walt passed in September 2012, after an extended cancer battle. His grandson Chris currently operates the family farm, and Susan enjoys sharing her love of horses with her six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Old Settlers will kick off Thursday with the Alexander Comet's girl volleyball team facing the White Shield Warriors at 5 and 6 p.m, at the school. The Color Run/Walk will start at 7 p.m., with registration at 6 p.m. on the east side of the park. Contact Brittni Hatter at 970-683-0388 with any questions. There will be a bonfire next to the park that evening at 8 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 1 will start with a chili cook-off on Main Street at 11 a.m., followed by the soap-box derby at 2 p.m. For more information on these events call Kristin at 701-793-5165 for the chili cookoff, and Martin at 701-580-8338 for the soap-box derby. The Alexander Comet's boys football team will play the Dunseith Dragons at 7 p.m. From 8:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Double XL Entertainment will be the performing DJ at the Alexander Bar & Grill.
Saturday has a full roster, starting at 8 a.m., with the parade registration, running until 10:15 a.m. The parade will start at 11 a.m. and make two laps around town, with spectators mostly gathering along Elk St. and in the park. There will be vendor and craft booths in the park until 5 p.m. and a barbecue starting at noon. In the new Fire Hall northwest of the park, a senior citizen social will be held to provide shelter from the weather, and a quieter place to visit. Snacks and drinks will be offered at the hall, and the social is sponsored by the Alexander Economic Development Committee.
At 2 p.m., the Redneck Olympics will begin at the old arena on the southside of Alexander. Events will include cornhole, horseshoes, slip "n" slide relay, and mud volleyball. Requirements are that teams consist of four people, 21 and older, and a $100 registration fee per team. There is also a separate cornhole only tournament at 2 p.m., on Main Street. Registration for that event is at 1 p.m. The last event of Old Settlers is the street dance, with live music by "Drive by Night", from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
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