Mark your calendars over August 12th-13th for the North Dakota Chokecherry Festival in Harmon Park! Ten years ago, Williston 6th graders completed a persuasive letter assignment to North Dakota lawmakers proposing the chokecherry to be designated the official state fruit. The letter inspired legislation and since 2007, Williston has hosted the North Dakota Chokecherry Festival to celebrate. Each year, our celebration has grown into the fun, family-friendly event it is today.
Hungry? Not while you are at the North Dakota Chokecherry Festival. Delicious, mouthwatering food will be all over Harmon Park. The free 1,000 Burger Feed provided Nemont starts Friday, August 12th at 4pm. Wake up early on Saturday to feast on free pancakes with chokecherry syrup starting at 7:30am, prepared and served by the local Lions group. Also, over 20 food and craft vendors with their unique dishes and craft will be located throughout the grounds of Harmon Park.
Grab your running shoes and register for the Chokecherry 5k or 1 Mile Fun Run on Saturday. Registration begins at 8am; the race starts at 8:30am. Participants can register in the southeast corner of Harmon Park where race will start and end. Think of how many more pancakes you will be able to eat after burning off so many calories from the race!
If you want to see incredible North Dakota talent, prepare yourself. All sorts of live entertainment will be flooding the Virgil Syverson Performance Center. North Dakota talent such as Lexi Wyman, Tigirlily and Gwen Sebastian will be performing for your listening pleasure, as well as some local favorites. Check the event poster on our event calendar for specific times.
Think your dog can outjump any other dog in the area? The Ultimate Air Dogs will once again be returning to the North Dakota Chokecherry Festival. The public can bring in their friendly canine companions to participate in the event. Any age, breed, sizes are welcome, as long as they can swim! Enjoy yourself as you watch dogs safely launch themselves through the air into the pool gaining as much distance as they can.
Bring out your lawn chairs and blanket for the Friday night outdoor movie beginning at 10:30pm. An opportunity to view a movie outdoors during an August evening in Williston’s Harmon Park is the perfect summer activity! The festivities continue Saturday with a chokecherry pit spitting contest, fun kid activities and live performances by the Bear Hollow Wood Carvers chainsaw artists and much more. You do not want to miss out on the North Dakota Chokecherry Festival!
