April 25, 2012

Homefest gets a big makeover

By Lauren Billing
Farmer Staff Writer

Homefest is a Watford City tradition that celebrates class and family reunions, street dances and warm weather. Homefest 2012 is taking that more than one step further.
This year’s Homefest is June 21, 22 and 23. The weekend festivities start on Thursday night and do not stop till Saturday night.
Lindsey Wingerter is the chair of the Homefest 2012 committee. She and a team of eight volunteers are hard at work bringing back some events, as well as introducing some new ones for a weekend of music, art, dancing, food, and of course, reunions.
Wingerter and her family attended last year’s Homefest and enjoyed the food and seeing other community members, but Wingerter got some big ideas for how exciting the event really could be. So as this year’s chair, she gets the chance to try a little something different.
Thursday evening opens the weekend with a performance by Lonesome Willy at the Watford City Tourist Park. The night of music asks those attending to bring chairs or blankets and find a spot on the grass.
Friday begins with Art in the Park at the Watford City Tourist Park. The day starts at 10 a.m. and will showcase non-commercial painters, artists, photographers and crafters. Nationally known artist and Watford City native, Miles Bendixson, will also be unveiling his latest art during the event.
“I am most excited about Art in the Park,” says Wingerter. “It will be a really good opportunity for people to showcase their work.”
There will be plenty of food and music too, as you stroll through the variety of creative inspirations.
Friday continues at 4 p.m. when registration opens for the Trish Gravos Memorial Golf Scramble at the Fox Hills Golf & Country Club with the scramble starting at 5 p.m. There will be a steak fry at the course to follow at 7 p.m.  Everyone is welcome, whether they golfed or not. Registration for the scramble is $30 and includes dinner.
Friday finishes with a street dance on Main Street featuring popular Bismarck DJ, DJ NODAKandreverseFX. Dancing and music starts at 9 p.m.
“DJ NODAKandreverseFX will be something Watford City’s never had before,” promises Wingerter.
Saturday gets started with the Homefest Road Race. Sign-in for the run will begin at 9 a.m., and unlike past years, the race will begin on Main Street.
At noon, the day continues with a little bit of everything. The street fair will include commercial and non-commercial vendors, food, music and a kid zone. The kid zone will have all kinds of inflatables, treats like snow cones and cotton candy and possibly a petting zoo. All-day bracelets will be $5.
There is also a baby pageant, doggy parade and trashiest pickup contest. Tours of Watford City High School will be offered from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Saturday concludes with another street dance starting at 9 p.m. on Main Street with The Filthy Beats and Dwalyers.
“We really want this to be a weekend that people look forward to,” says Wingerter. “There will be more activities for everyone and it will be a good chance for everyone to see what Watford City’s community looks like now.”
Anyone interested in registering as an artist, vendor, performer or contest participant can find more information on www.tourism.mckenziecounty.net under events or contact Wingerter at 701-580-0587 or lindseywingerter@gmail.com. Those wanting to golf in the Trish Gravos Memorial Golf Scramble can call 701-842-2074. Registration and information for the Homefest Road Race is available at www.homefestrun.com.

WATFORD CITY WEATHER