July 3, 2012

Day of fun in store at Arnegard’s 4th of July

By Olivia Sundeen    
Farmer Staff Writer

“Fun, Fellowship, Family and Food.”
These are the four F’s that Bekki Larson, an Arnegard Booster member, feels emulates the meaning of the Arnegard Fourth of July.
“The Arnegard Fourth of July symbolizes a time of family,” stated Larson. “Families reunite during this time to celebrate not only an important day in America, but to celebrate one another at a fun-filled event.”
A mixture of kids’ games, food, and a parade creates enjoyment for families of all generations.
“I really enjoy seeing all of the familiar faces,” stated Gen Bruins, who has worked the Wilmington Lutheran Church pie booth and has been active in the parade for years. “I am from the area so the Fourth of July is a time when many former residents come home and it is great to see those faces and catch up.”
The Arnegard Fourth of July celebration has been a long-standing tradition. This year will be nothing short of that. As in years past, the McKenzie County Bank serves ice cream as a sweet afternoon treat.
“I am not sure how we started it, but it has become a tradition we have kept going,” stated Dia Northrup, McKenzie County Bank employee. “We always enjoy this time of the year. At one time the Arnegard Fourth of July used to be the place to be. And now with all the new people in the area, it is starting to get big like it used to be.”
Bryan Bjornstad, parade organizer agrees with Olson.
“We like to see this event grow each year,” stated Bjornstad. “The more people the better.”
Arnegard will be kicking off this year’s festivities with a cook-off and musical entertainment on July 3.
But, as one would imagine, the main festivities take place on July 4.
 The parade kicks things off starting at 11 a.m. with the pie booth being open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. At noon the barbecue beef lunch hosted by the Schultz families will be served by the Arnegard Lions with ice cream donated by McKenzie County Bank finishing off the meal.
At 1 p.m. McKenzie County’s veterans will be recognized, as well as the Schultz families. The afternoon doesn’t slow down with children being able to enjoy the inflatable “Fun on the Run” obstacles, which opens at noon. From 2 to 4 p.m. there will be a tractor pull followed by carnival games from 3 to 4 p.m.
Throughout the afternoon until 8 p.m., food will be served at the concession and music will be provided by Kevin and Terrie, along with an open mike for karaoke.
Finally, Arnegard will wrap up its annual Fourth of July festivities with a fireworks display that will begin at approximately 10:35 p.m.
“I have only been in the area for about 13 years,” stated Larson. “But the Arnegard Fourth is something I have loved since the moment I moved here. I am guaranteed fun with family every year.”
As the fourth arrives, remember the four F’s, and take a short drive to Arnegard to celebrate this year’s Fourth of July.

WATFORD CITY WEATHER