Watford readies for busy Homefest
By Olivia Sundeen
Farmer Intern
Communities are built on friendly faces, tight-knit relationships and traditions. For years, Homefest has become a tradition held near and dear to the friendly folks of Watford City.
What started as an one-time event to bring community members together for fun, food and dancing has turned into an annual three-day tradition.
“Our slogan is “Welcome Home,” stated Lindsay Wingerter, member of the Homefest Committee. “With our growing population, this is a weekend to welcome back families and friends, as well as introduce our new residents to the caring, friendly, close-knit community that we are.”
Even though the Watford City community has drastically changed, traditions such as Homefest have remained the same. This year, the 2013 Homefest Committee has designed a diverse agenda of events so that there is something for everyone.
“We are attempting to rejuvenate Homefest,” stated Wingerter. “We want to accommodate all of the walks of life amongst our community.”
Lonesome Willy & Jessie Veeder will kick off Homefest on Thursday evening, June 27, at the Tourist Park as the second segment of the Summer of Sounds Series. All are welcome to bring lounge chairs and blankets and enjoy the food provided by Relay For Life Team Acronym and MOPS while listening to great music.
The second day of Homefest, Friday, June 28, has a lot to offer. The Petting Zoo, sponsored by Dakota West Credit Union, will be held on Main Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Homefest Street Fair will also be held on Main Street, and it will begin shortly after at 11 a.m. and will go until 6 p.m. There will be crafters, food and commercial vendors throughout the day. There will also be kids games starting at noon, consisting of an obstacle course, giant jenga, badminton, ring toss, ladder ball and a KidsZone featuring Jump N Fun inflatables. A Doggy Parade will begin at 2:30 p.m. where everyone is urged to dress up their dogs. Bingo will be announced every hour on the hour with a special Blackout game at 3 p.m. The winner of this game will be awarded $50 in Watford City Bucks.
At 1 p.m. the Oldies but Goodies Golf Scramble begins with a light lunch and registration beginning at 11:30. This event is one that Wingerter would like to highlight.
“This year there will be two scrambles instead of one,” stated Wingerter.
The Trish Gravos Memorial Golf Scramble will follow at 5 p.m. with registration beginning at 4 p.m. A steak fry will follow at Fox Hills Golf Course starting at 5:30 p.m., which is open to everyone.
The Watford City High School Honor Society will be hosting tours of the school between 2 and 4 p.m. The Missoula Children’s Theater will perform “Betty Lou and the Country Beast” at 7 p.m. As the sun begins to set, everyone is encouraged to gather on Main Street for the street dance with music provided by the Blur Sky Devils.
Bright and early on Saturday, June 29, the Homefest Road Race will begin at 8 a.m. After that, everyone is invited to Art in the Park at the Tourist Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Here local artists and crafters will showcase their work. Jeff Nelson and his Music Machine will be master of ceremonies throughout the day. Dizzy & Cloudy Clowns will offer entertainment for the children.
At 1 p.m., the first Co-ed Mud Volleyball Tournament will be held at the Tourist Park during Homefest. The Missoula Children’s Theater will have another performance at the Watford City High School at 2 p.m. From 4 to 7 p.m., the Watford City Rotary Club will put on a fundraising fish fry on Main Street.
“I am extremely grateful for all the hardworking volunteers on the Homefest Committee,” stated Wingerter. “Without them, this three-day festival would never be able to take off.”
To close out the 2013 Homefest festivities will be more Homefest fun from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. This will consist of Jump N Fun Inflatables, adult co-ed team games and a street dance featuring K-Hook.
“All in all, I think the weekend is coming along great,” stated Wingerter. “I am very excited to see all the events unfold. This should be fun!”