Mandan Magazine - Volume 1: Issue 1 Summer 2023

Summer Fun In Mandan

LETTER

DIRECTOR

It is my pleasure to introduce the very first issue of Mandan Magazine, a publication that celebrates all that makes our community so special. This magazine is the result of a partnership between the Mandan Progress Organization and Bismarck Magazine, and we couldn't be more excited to share it with you.

In this inaugural issue, we are highlighting some of the exciting events happening in Mandan and the heroes behind these summer events. From the Buggies and Blues car show to the Mandan Rodeo Days 4th of July Parade and Art in the Park festival, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy all that our town has to offer.

In future issues we will be highlighting some of the local businesses that are helping to drive our economy forward and keep our community vibrant. You'll find interviews with restaurant owners, shopkeepers, small business owners, and other entrepreneurs who are passionate about their work and dedicated to making Mandan a great place to live.

We believe that the Mandan Magazine will be an important resource for everyone who calls this town home, whether you've lived here for years or are just getting to know our community. Our goal is to celebrate the people, places, and events that make Mandan a great place to live, work, and play.

I want to thank everyone who has contributed to this first issue, from the Bismarck Magazine team to our advertisers and sponsors. Your support is essential to making this magazine a success, and we are grateful for your partnership.

Finally, I want to encourage all of our readers to get involved and share your stories with us. If you have an event, business, or person you would like to see featured in a future issue, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Thank you for picking up the first issue of Mandan Magazine, and we hope you enjoy reading all about our exciting summer events..

Matt Schanandore Executive Director, Mandan Progress Organization

Photo by NewAge Creative

Thank You Members For All Your Support

Business Membership Excellence

First International Bank & Trust

Pepsi America

Business Membership Entry

ABC Seamless

Action Motor Sports

Advanced Business Methods

AE2S

AID, Inc.

Al Fitterer Architect PC

Alpha-Lit Bismarck, LLC

American Family Insurance- Terry

Kraft

AnyLeaks

Armstrong Sanitation

Bain Agency/Bridgemark Insurance

Solutions

Balancing Goat Coffee Co

Barney's Tesoro/ Red Trail

Basin Electric Power

Baymont Inn & Suites

BEK Communications

Bennigan’s

Berger Cattle Company

Big Stick Cigars

BisMan Eats LLC

Bismarck Larks

Bismarck Magazine

Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC

Bismarck-Mandan CVB

BNC Bank Mandan

BNI Coal

Bobcat of Mandan

Bravera Bank

Burian & Associates

Burning Desires

Butcher Block Meats

Capital Credit Union

Captain Jack's Liquor Land (Coborn's)

City of Mandan

Classic Rock Coffee

Cloverdale Foods

Comfort Inn & Suites

Copper Dog Cafe

Corral Sales RV Superstore

Curvy Flamingo Boutique

Dacotah Speedway

Dairy Queen

Dakota Caulking

DaWise Perry Funeral Home

Doll's Studios

Edgewood in Mandan

Edward Jones- Vanessa Martell

Every Eye

Express Yourself Salon

Family Wellness

Farm Credit Services

Farmers Union Insurance- Kary/ Ressler/Wolfgram

Feil Orthodontics

Fettig Millwork

First Community Credit Union

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

Gate City Bank

Goodhardt & Associates

Grand Junction Subs

Gunscher's Auto Repair Plus

Gusaas Signs

Harlow's School Bus Service

Heritage Exteriors

Hirsch Floral & Gifts

Hopfauf Custom Builders.

Huck Financial

Huntington Books

Ideal Image Dentistry

iGear

Independent Land Survey and Engineering

Jerome Distributing

Johnson's Wrecking

Keller Insurance Services.

Kelsch, Ruff, Kranda, Nagle & Ludwig

Kids in Motion Pediatric Therapy

KLJ

KX News/KXMB TV

L&H Branding Irons

Lakewood Marina LLC

Leingang Chiropractic & Wellness

Leingang Home Center

Leroy’s MVP Store

Lewis & Clark Devel. Group

Liberty Tax Service

Little Caesars Pizza

Lords-n-Ladies

LPT Images

M&H Gas

M&W Beef Packers Inc.

Main Street Drive Thru Liquor

Mandan Aero Center

Mandan Auto Glass

Mandan Automotive

Mandan Eagles

Mandan Parks & Rec.

Mandan Plumbing & Heating

Mandan Public School District.

Mandan Regional Airport

Mandan Road Races LLC

Mandan Tire Center

Mane Expressions

McDonald's

Metro Area Ambulance

Midway Lanes

MOJO 107.5/Big Rig 105.9

Montana Dakota Utilities

Moore Engineering

Morgan Stanley

Moritz Sport and Marine

Morton Mandan Public Library.

Musicians Association

NAPA Auto Parts

ND Assoc of Rural Electric Coop.

ND Farmers Union Insurance

Newman Signs

Nightlife Entertainment

NISC

North Country Inn

North Dakota Teen Challenge

Northern Plains Plumbing, Heating & Air

Northern Trophy

Northwest Tire Mandan

Ohm's Café

Old 10 Bar & Grill

Old Town Tavern

Open Road Honda

Pahlke Steel, Inc.

Papa Murphy's Pizza

Pizza Ranch

Quality Home Furniture

Railway Credit Union

Red Carpet Mandan ARCO

Red Top Recovery

Redmann Law, PC

Riverwood RV & Auto

RJR Maintenance & Management

Roughrider Harley-Davidson

RuLissa Boutique & More

Safe Ship

Sanford Health

Scapegoat Bar

Schaff Estate & Life Planning Group

Schlosser Excavating

Schwan Buick GMC Cadillac

Scotty's Drive-In

Security First Agency of North Dakota

Security First Bank

Shop Suzy B

Sign Pro

Signature Events

Simes Graphic Designs

Southside MVP

Spiffy Biffs

Starion Bank

State Farm Insurance- Heather Fried

State Farm Insurance- Rod Skytland

Strata Corporation

Sunset MVP

Superpumper #41

The Blackstone Hotel

The Golden Comb Day Spa & Salon

The Paddle Trap

The Shoults Express LLC

The Skin Boutique & Hair Lounge

The Title Team

Titan Machinery

TP Motel

Tri Energy Cenex

Venue Twenty5

Vision Source

Weigel Funeral Home

West Dakota FOX

Zander Body Shop

Individual Membership

Matt Schanandore

Ellen Huber

Dennis Rohr

Lee Fleischer

Ann Kirchmeier

Kari Schmidt

Savannah Schmidt

Amy Schmidt

Bernice Hilfer

Mike Hanson

Andrew Stromme

Andrea Travnicek

James Clement

Loah Clement

Marlo Anderson

Todd Humphrey

Annette Behm-Caldwell

Andy Zachmeier

HEROES

Mandan Event

Who: Mandan Progress Organization

What: This year sees a lot of milestone anniversaries for iconic Mandan events, including the 30th anniversary of Buggies-n-Blues, and the 50th anniversary of Art in the Park. The Mandan Progress Organization is also celebrating their 30th anniversary, and their involvement in the community has created a vibrant and thriving culture.

The Mandan Progress Organization (MPO) started in 1993 and immediately took on the Independence Day Parade, Mandan Rodeo Days, and Buggies-n-Blues. “MPO stepped in to facilitate these events so they would continue to go forward because these were longstanding events. Both the parade and the rodeo are well over 100 years old,” explains Matt Schanandore, current executive director for MPO. “That really kicked off the mission of the MPO to be an organization that creates experiences.”

Over its many years, the MPO has brought a wide variety of events and experiences to the Mandan area. “In the early 90s, they did a study on what Mandan could be. They knew Mandan struggled to be a retail town, but was very successful being an event town that would bring a lot of people to the community. That’s how a group of people all got together and decided they would start an organization and hire an event coordinator to bring events to Mandan,” describes Del Wetsch, past executive director for the MPO. “There’s been a lot of fun stuff that we’ve done.”

The creativity and innovation behind the events put on by MPO is impressive. The mission of the MPO seems to always have been to keep growing and trying new things, and the stories of old MPO events is a testament to this. Some of these past events over the last 30 years include a buffalo chip throwing competition, hospital bed races, tug of war, and making and selling a sub sandwich that extended several city blocks to kick off Mandan Rodeo Day. MPO also hosted a Wild West grill fest that ran ten years. The event included food vendors and wagon rides. Another unique event the MPO put on in the early years was a beach party that was held for six or seven years. They would hire a band and had a stage for people to dance in front of. The event included food vendors and a style show that’s grand prize was a destination cruise. “The MPO has been that catalyst for creating those experiences and core events,” describes Matt.

Over the years, thanks to the efforts of people like Matt and Del and groups like the Mandan Progress Organization, Mandan has become known for its events and experiences. The MPO is even expanding into winter events like the Holiday Lights on Main which were a tremendous success this last Christmas season. The more people

who come to visit Mandan the better, and the MPO advocates a pride in their community. “I think the future of the MPO is really bright in relation to the city and how it can continue to be a voice of promotion for Mandan, really giving Mandan its own voice and making it unique,” describes Matt.

Kristi Kraft, the MPO president, echoes this sentiment from Matt: “We’re just so excited about what’s happening in Mandan. We’re in a very special time in Mandan with so many things happening. We see our role as being a cheerleader for the community and bringing people here and telling them what a great place it is to live.” The events put on by the MPO bring people into Mandan, giving the city a chance to show off its thriving culture and highlighting the exciting new things happening. “We partner with the city, the park district, the county, so we have the unique opportunity to be an arm for community experience and bring people here,” says Kristi. “Then, when people come here and see all the new things happening, it brings success to our businesses, it brings more folks to town. It’s a win for everyone, and we’re pretty passionate about it.”

Mandan Event

Who: Amber Larson, committee member for Touch A Truck and marketing leader of Bartlett & West

What: Touch A Truck presented by Bartlett & West

Why: Amber loves Mandan, and over the years she has done countless things to give back to her community. She and her husband own Larson Tattooing on Main Street Mandan and love to participate and sponsor local events. “We love all the events that happen downtown,” Amber explains. “That’s been really fun for us owning a business right down there.” In addition, Amber served four years on the Mandan City Commission. Touch A Truck is just another way Amber is supporting the community she loves.

Touch A Truck is an event put on in Mandan by the Mandan Progress Organization (MPO) that gives children the opportunity to get up close to heavy equipment they would not normally, like cement trucks, cranes, tow trucks, dump trucks, emergency vehicles, and more.

Amber Larson heard about this event through her work at Bartlett & West. She mentioned it to someone at the MPO, and later the MPO reached out to her about the event when they had to drop a different event, six or seven years ago. “We’ve completely made it our own,” describes Amber. “We designed our own logo for Mandan’s event and really started from scratch, figuring it out.” Now, thousands of kids and their parents come to check out this unique event every year. “I love seeing the kids run around and get so excited, just overjoyed sitting in the cabin of a huge crane,” says Amber. “It’s also cool to see the people of the companies we work with all the time getting that opportunity to connect with the kids who could be the next crane operator.”

The event is May 20th from 10 am to 2 pm, free, and open to anyone. There will be food trucks at the event as well and sling bags for kids. If you are worried about loud honking with your small children, a quiet hour will take effect from 10-11 am. You can also bring non-perishable food items which will be donated to AID’s food pantry.

Want More? Check out VisitMandan.com

Join

Save the dates for our Kickoff Picnic: June 3rd

End of Summer Picnic: Aug. 10

Challenges for all ages!

Grand Prizes!

Fun for the Whole Family!

Sign up for our online reading program at mortonmandanlibrary beanstack org

Registration is open now!

Challenge dates run June 5-July 28

Follow us for updates on Summer Events facebook com/mortonmandanpl mortonmandan librarycalendar com

HEROES

Mandan Event

Who: Dennis Friesz

What: Mandan Independence Day Parade Presented by Chevrolet of Mandan and Your West Dakota Chevy Dealers

Why: Dennis Friesz has been the parade chair for Mandan’s long-running 4th of July parade since 2009. The parade itself has been going as long as the Mandan Rodeo. Dennis explains, “The rodeo and parade kind of started at the same time. They used to take the livestock to the old rodeo grounds, that turned into the parade.” Now, the tradition continues today with over 100 floats every year and thousands of attendees.

Dennis has been involved with the parade since 1983, first with the Jaycee Club and then with the Independence Day Committee and has seen countless changes to the parade over the years. One thing that has not changed, however, is the excitement around the parade, both from those watching and those participating. “Everybody talks about the parade… some people are already doing a countdown to the parade… it’s great to be a part of it,” says Dennis. “My favorite part is when people are coming out, setting up their floats, having fun, they’re laughing, joking around with each other.”

The parade is a longstanding tradition in the area, with people coming from out of town to watch. The event takes tons of volunteers to put on and countless hours of hard work, but Dennis says it is always worth it in the end. “It always feels good to put on a successful parade for the community,” says Dennis.

Want More?

Check out www.VisitMandan.com

Theme: "Cruising with Red, White and Blue | Thousands attend every year | Starts at 10am, hits Main Street about 10:20am | 100-125 Floats

YOUR AD COULD BE

HEROES

Mandan Event

Who: Dennis Nieskenes

What: Buggies and Blues Presented by BEK TV

Why: Dennis Nieskenes moved to Mandan in 1977, and as his family grew, so did his involvement in and love for the community. One day, Dennis heard about a car show that had happened the previous year in Bismarck and grew interested, especially after hearing that car shows were dying out. He had an idea: “I thought what would happen if we could combine all the car clubs into one event.” Inspired also by his son Chad’s newfound love of blues music, Dennis pitched his idea to bring together cars and music to the Bismarck Mandan Musicians Association. They loved the idea, and after Dennis also cleared it with the City of Mandan and the local car clubs, Buggies-n-Blues was born in 1993. The first year was small, but from there the event steadily grew into the event of national importance it has become. “You hope when you create something that it’s going to be successful,” says Dennis, “so it’s amazing to see all the changes and to hear people come back to Mandan for this event, even after moving away.”

If you’ve been to Buggies-n-Blues, chances are you have seen Dan Kraft’s iconic grabber green collection of Mustangs. “Green was my favorite color growing up, so when I started buying Mustangs… I bought a Grabber Green Mustang and found out it was a really rare color,” explains Dan. “It was only made one year unless you special ordered it from Shelby. You could get that color in ’69, so I started with one of them, then went to two and three and just started collecting Grabber Greens. It’s actually the rarest Grabber Green collection in the whole world.” In addition to collecting, Dan Kraft has been helping with the event ever since it started.

This year, Buggies-n-Blues is celebrating its 30th anniversary. In honor of that, Dennis has come back to help plan this year’s event and will be the parade marshal for the Independence Day Parade. While Dennis has accepted this honor, he wants it to be clear he’s representing everyone who stepped up to help put on this unique event over the past three decades. “It’s just my idea. It’s not about me,” Dennis says. “It’s taken a lot of people to make this a reality… My whole idea in this is, if even just for one split second of time you can make a difference, that’s what it’s all about.”

Want More?

Check out www.VisitMandan.com

Presented by Marathon Mandan Refinery

FEATURE ACT AT THE 30TH ANNUAL BUGGIES AND BLUES DIRECT FROM LAS VEGAS

AMERICAN RESURFACING PRESENTS THE STEVE DARNELL FEATURE ACT

Steve Darnell is famed for his success on the Discovery Channel hit series, Vegas Rat Rods, and as the creative genius behind Welder Up, the Las Vegas based rat rod and fabrication shop. Steve leads his Welder Up team as he brings history back to life, proving his creativity has no boundaries.

Working with his dad at their family’s steel company in Las Vegas, Steve learned to weld and fabricate at an early age. When he started his own fabrication shop, he took his passion for cars to the next level. When the infamous D-Rod drove out of his shop with a twin turbo 12 valve diesel engine that made 1000 hp, Steve made a name for himself.

The car world took notice of the unique builds Steve and his team were unleashing out of their shop; So did the Discovery Channel. In 2013, the hit series Vegas Rat Rods took the rest of the world by storm. Steve’s masterpieces were soon featured in multiple national publications, like Hot Rod Magazine, Diesel World Magazine, Mopar Magazine, and more.

Steve Darnell Appearance Schedule

WelderUp is known for its eye-catching rides, but Steve’s passion has evolved beyond rat rods into other creative avenues. He is responsible for the post-apocalyptic set design, props, and vehicles in Five Finger Death Punch’s music video for “House of the Rising Sun.” Always on Steve’s agenda is creating entertaining content of his own for a loyal fan base on YouTube and social media. As of 2020, aspiring welders can learn from Steve’s years of experience and hard-earned wisdom in his online course at welder101.com.

Steve has always been determined to exceed everyone’s expectations. Much like Steve’s creativity, opportunities to partner with WelderUp and its growing fan base are limitless.

Presented by American Resurfacing and King Olson Racing

Friday June 9th – Dacotah Speedway

Meet and Greet Prior to Races

Saturday June 10th – Hammer Down Big Rig Show and Shine

Meet and Greet during the Day

Sunday June 11th Buggies and Blues Car Show

Meet and Greet - 10am to 4pm - Main St.

HEROES

Who: Nola Helm

What: Art in the Park Presented by Chevrolet of Mandan and Your West Dakota Chevy Dealers

Why: Nola Helm was involved with Art in the Park right at its conception 50 years ago. She had an uncle who made wool rugs and chairs who wanted to sell them. He had heard about a gathering of artists in Dykshoorn Park and enlisted Nola’s help getting his products there. Once there, Nola and her uncle met three or four people there who had set up there without forming anything official, just hoping word of mouth would spread the news. After speaking with these artists, Nola was asked to run a committee that would organize the event and turn it into something official. So, Nola got to work, first getting permission to use Dykshoorn Park, which at the time was in the process of being turned into a parking lot. She also had to convince artists and vendors to join such a new venture. “It was an unknown. Most of the artists just took a chance. How could they or anybody know if they’d make any money,” says Nola. But, thankfully for all involved, “It was a smashing success,” says Nola, saving Dykshoorn Park and starting a beloved Mandan tradition.

Nola Helm is proud to be from Mandan and proud of what her community has done over the past 50 years: “I feel pride in that this community supports the arts because being an artist is not an easy life. Also, pride in that all the volunteers and I helped get it going and that there are people that benefit, both the vendors and the people that stop by.”

As always, this year there will be art and crafts booths, food vendors, and live entertainment. Come and visit the newly redone Dykshoorn park, hear music from the band shell once again, and support the local arts.

Want More?

VisitMandan.com

HEROES

Who: Phillip Schultz

What: Midwest Flavor Fest and Mandan Mondays

Why: Phillip Schultz, the person behind the popular Facebook page BisMan Food, has started another food passion project, Midwest Flavor Fest. Last year was its first year, and Phil is already looking to double the size of the event, bringing in 12 food vendors, 12-16 artisanal vendors, and 20-25 hours of live local music. The event is free entry and takes place at Dykshoorn Park and is open to anyone who loves food. “It will be a fantastic way to meet other foodies in the community, try some new foods that you haven’t experienced, maybe find old favorites that you haven’t seen in a while and enjoy some yard games with your family,” says Phil. The event will always be the weekend before Labor Day as a way to close out the season which this year is August 25th, noon to 11 pm, and 26th, 10 am to 11 pm. There are a wide range of sponsorship opportunities available. You can reach out to Phil if you’re interested at phil@bismaneatslocal.com.

Another food project Phil has recently taken on is Mandan Mondays which is going into its fifth month. The series features different local restaurants in Mandan. “It’s a fantastic series that allows us to see behind-the-scenes at Mandan, and not just learn about the business, but about the people, and also see the food and have the whole experience from afar,” describes Phil. Mandan Mondays runs underneath the umbrella of Bisman Eats’ website and Facebook and posts once or twice per week. The series will run 12 months, and then from there will hopefully change and grow. Phil hopes the series will bring awareness to surrounding communities of how much Mandan has to offer the food world. “I’ve lived in Bismarck and Mandan for most of my life, and I still did not know places as much as I do actually having dove in here,” says Phil. Mandan has over 50 restaurants that were started right here in North Dakota. “It’s worth celebrating,” says Phil.

Want More?

bismaneats.com | bismaneats.com/midwest-flavor-fest | www.facebook.com/BisManEats/ | www.facebook.com/ groups/bismaneats

www.facebook.com/MidwestFlavorFest

Midwest Flavor Fest: 1600-1800 Attendees in 2022 | Food Trucks, Artisanal Vendors, Live Music | Free Entry | August 25th, 12-11pm & August 26th, 10am-11pm

Mandan Mondays: Posts 1-2/Week | Only Features Local Restaurants | 12 Month Series

MANDAN RODEO DAYS

JUNE 30 - JULY 4, 2023

FOUR CHANCES TO CHECK OUT THE BRAND NEW DALE PAHLKE ARENA IN MANDAN.

CHANCEY WILLIAMS CONCERT

FRIDAY, JUNE 30TH | GATES: 5 PM

It’s the first LIVE concert at the brand new Dale Pahlke Arena on the dirt, headlined by country music sensation Chancey Williams, featuring Southerland and Zach Thomas. Williams, a former saddle bronc rider, was named iHeartRadio’s 2022 Rocky Mountain Country Music Awards Entertainer of the Year.

FAMILY NIGHT

SUNDAY, JULY 2ND

GATES OPEN: 5 PM | RODEO: 7 PM

PATRIOT NIGHT

MONDAY, JULY 3RD

GATES OPEN: 5 PM | RODEO: 7 PM

FIREWORKS NIGHT

TUESDAY, JULY 4TH

GATES OPEN: 5 PM | RODEO: 7 PM

TICKETS

FRIDAY $100 VIP • $25 GENERAL

SUNDAY (PRESENTED BY H.A. THOMPSON & SONS)

$100 VIP • $22 GENERAL • $20 FAMILY

MONDAY (PRESENTED BY EIDE CHRYSLER)

$100 VIP • $45 ROUGHRIDER • $30 COWBOY • $22 GENERAL

TUESDAY (PRESENTED BY KX NEWS)

$100 VIP • $45 ROUGHRIDER • $30 COWBOY • $22 GENERAL

Advanced tickets available at mandanrodeo.com. Have questions? Call us at (701) 877-4386 or visit our office at: 201 W Front Ave. Bismarck, ND 58503

Advanced tickets save $8 off gate price.

HEROES

Who: Heather Jacobson-Bauer, president of Mandan Rodeo Days and Jason Mittlestadt, past president of Mandan Rodeo Days

What: Mandan Rodeo Days

Why: Mandan Rodeo Days is one of the biggest rodeos in Northern America, the biggest one in North Dakota, and arguably one of the oldest. This year marks the rodeo’s 144th year. What started as horse races and baseball games has grown into a well-known rodeo. The 40s and 50s saw the largest numbers in the rodeo’s history, drawing 10,000 people every year at the old rodeo grounds. The rodeo dipped in numbers in the 90s but has been steadily growing over the last 20 years thanks to the efforts of volunteers like Heather Jacobson-Bauer and Jason Mittlestadt.

Jason Mittlestadt has been involved in Mandan Rodeo Days for 18 years now. He started by volunteering, then coming to meetings, and slowly became an integral part of the event becoming the first VP, then chairman for three years. “The minute I was voted in as chairman I looked at what can we change, what can we make better, because to me it felt stagnant at that time,” explains Jason. It was at this time that Heather Jacobson-Bauer become the first VP. Together, they worked on rebranding the rodeo, making the rodeo its own entity (now a 501c non-profit), and building a new arena. The new arena is finishing up construction and will be open for the first time for the 2023 season. “We’re looking ahead at the future, what does the future hold. We need to set this up so it’s easier for the people behind us,” says Jason. Jason also wants to give a huge thank you to all their sponsors, especially Dale Pahlke and Dakota Community Bank. “Dale stepped up in a big way,” says Jason. “Not only was he our biggest sponsor, he also helped raise the money… And to all the sponsors that helped and the contractors, architects, and engineers. Everybody that was involved gave back to make this possible.”

In order to focus on the new arena, Jason stepped down as chairman after three years, and Heather took over. Heather was first on the board in 2017 but has been participating in Mandan Rodeo days for much longer than that. “I had at one time

144th Year | 7,000-8,000 attendees per year | 600 contestants | Chancey Williams in Concert June 31st | Slack Day July 1st | Performances July 2nd-4th

participated in the Mandan Rodeo Days, but also coming and watching the rodeo and seeing it… I got on the board and really enjoyed the people I was working with, the team effort, and that we all want to better the community,” says Heather. Heather hopes to keep seeing the rodeo grow. “It would be nice to see it grow into even more days versus just threeday performance. It would be nice to make it larger. Someday even as big as Calgary… it would be fun,” says Heather.

The rodeo always hosts a number of events such as barrell racing, breakaway roping, and rough stock timed events. People come from far and wide to watch this annual event, drawing an average of 7,000-8,000 people and 600 contestants. “It brings in people throughout the United States. We’ve had people come in from California. We’ve had people come in even from Canada and Europe,” says Heather.

This year, performances start July 2nd and run through the 4th. Like last year, July 1st will be Slack Day. New this year is a grand opening concert with Chancey Williams to kick off Mandan Rodeo Days a day earlier on June 31st.

Want More?

mandanrodeo.com

Business Pitch Challenge

By Maria Fleck

Every year, the City of Mandan’s Business Development & Communications Department puts on the Business Pitch Challenge. “The Mandan Business Pitch Challenge’s purpose is for the aspiring entrepreneurs of Mandan who could use a boost on their entrepreneurial journey,” explains Madison Cermak, Business Development & Communications Director. The first-place prize includes a $10,000 forgivable loan, a $750 cash prize, a $1,500 advertising package, and a lot more.

This year marked the 5th annual Business Pitch Challenge. Every year, a wide range of entrepreneurs submit their applications to a fiveperson committee who narrows down the list to four finalists each of whom present their business plan to a panel of judges. Some of the criteria for winning include thoroughness, innovativeness, and public benefits to Mandan, although there are many more.

This year’s winner was Send-It! 24/7 Cornhole, a recreational venue by Jed Geer, Brad Anderson and Brandon Koch. Their venue has a full bar, axe throwing and more, in addition to cornhole. The three runner-ups were Inside Park, Just You Studios, and Big Stick Cigars, all of whom also won a cash prize.

The Business Pitch Challenge is a community event. The North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives hosts while West River Produce caters, and several members of the community volunteer to help organize and set up this event. Organizations like the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC and ND Small Business Development Center also pitch in their time to put on the event, while multiple local Mandan businesses give away prizes to the four finalists to help further their entrepreneurial journey. “It is important for Mandan to host this event, because the Mandan community already has a wellestablished entrepreneurial spirit, with many mentors willing to stepup and help those aspiring entrepreneurs make their business plans a reality—while keeping those entrepreneurs and their start-ups in the Mandan community for the long-haul,” says Madison.

Rec in Mandan RecreationOUTDOOR

IN MANDAN & MORTON COUNTY

HARMON LAKE

HWY 1806 & COUNTY RD 140, MANDAN, ND, 58554

Located only 8 miles north of Mandan, Harmon Lake is an ideal daytrip destination with two sandy beaches along water and a 13.1 mile biking and hiking trail.

Top Facts: No wake waterbody (boats must travel at a slow, idle speed), rentals offered like kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards

Website: www.facebook.com/harmonlake

PRAIRIE WEST GOLF COURSE

2709 LONGSPUR TRAIL, MANDAN, ND, 58554

Open daily, from sunrise to sunset. Prairie West Golf Course is a beautiful outdoor 18 hole golf course complete with a practice facility, pro-shop, and lounge area.

Top Facts: Par of 72, 6,714 total yards, walking friendly

Website: golfmandan.com/prairie-west-golf-course/

MANDAN MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE

1002 7TH ST SW, MANDAN, ND, 58554

Open daily. Mandan Municipal is an outdoor golf course with a player-friendly layout. The 9 hole golf course also features a short range practice area, clubhouse/pro-shop and concessions.

Top Facts: Par of 35, easily walkable, open since 1925

Website: golfmandan.com/mandan-municipal/

FT. LINCOLN STATE PARK

4480 FT. LINCOLN ROAD, MANDAN, ND, 58554

Fort Lincoln is a beautiful state park with a visitor center museum, reconstructed earth lodges, blockhouses, barracks and commanding officer’s living quarters, scenic trails, campsites, and cabins.

Top Facts: Oldest state park in ND, established in 1907, over 100 campsites

Website: www.parkrec.nd.gov/fort-abraham-lincoln-state-park

RAGING RIVERS

2600 46TH AVENUE SE MANDAN, ND, 58554

Hours vary depending on season

There is fun for everyone at Raging Rivers waterpark! Raging Rivers features a lazy river, tube and speed slides, a kiddie pool play area, bath house, rental areas, and concessions.

Top Facts: Tod Time will be offered July 3, 10, 17, and 24. Tod Time allows children ages 0-8 along with adult supervision to play exclusively on the Aqua Play Unit from 10-11:30 am for only $5 per person.

Mandan Summer Calendar

There is so much fun stuff happening in Mandan all summer long. To help you stay informed, we’ve compiled a list of the must-attend family-friendly Mandan events from May 1st through September 1st. All events listed are free entry unless marked with a $ sign. Scan QR Code to see the full list of events happening in Mandan.

MAY

MAY 14

1 pm – Mother’s Day Hike at Fort Lincoln State Park

MAY 15

20th Spring Clean Up Week

MAY 20

from 10 am to 2 pm – Touch A Truck

Touch A Truck gives children the opportunity to get up close-up,

hands-on experiences with heavy equipment like cement trucks, cranes, tow trucks, dump trucks, and emergency vehicles and meet the operators who work with this equipment every day.

MAY 28

Mandan Graduation at the Starion Sports Complex (weather permitting)

MAY 29

Memorial Day Hike at Fort Lincoln State Park

MAY 31

Raging Rivers Opening Day

JUNE

JUNE 3

from 10 am to 2 pm – Kickoff social for the Mandan Library Summer Reading Program

The kickoff social on June 3rd will have games, performances, and story time. The summer reading program itself runs June 5th through July 28th.

1 pm – National Trails Day Hike at Fort Lincoln State Park

JUNE 5TH- AUGUST 17TH

Nightly Outdoor Concerts

Come enjoy live music at the Dykshoorn Park Band Shell most summer nights Monday through Thursday from 7:30-8:30. The Lions Club will provide burgers on Tuesday nights.

JUNE 8TH-10TH

Halloween in June at Fort Lincoln State Park

JUNE 10TH AND JUNE 11TH

JUNE 28TH-29TH

Kaleidoscope Variety Show

JUNE 30

Buggies-N-Blues

This annual Mandan event that brings together classic cars and hot rods with blues music and food and drink vendors is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. For more information, visit www.buggiesn-blues.org

JUNE 11

Hammer Down Truck Show & Tractor Show at Dakota Speedway

Mandan Rodeo Days Kickoff $

The grand opening of the Mandan Rodeo Days will be a Chancey Williams Concert. Tickets can be purchased at mandanrodeo.com

JULY

JULY 1ST -JULY 4TH

Mandan Rodeo Days $

Planes and Pancakes at the Mandan Airport

JUNE 16TH – 18TH

Farmers Union Insurance PBA Midwest Open Championship at Midway Lanes

JUNE 18 1 pm – Father’s Day Hike at Fort Lincoln State Park

Celebrating its 144th year, the Mandan Rodeo is one of the oldest and largest rodeos in North America. These four days of fun are filled with exciting events like barrel racing, bull riding, steer wrestling, and more.

JULY 3RD, 9 AM TO 7 PM AND JULY 4TH, 9 AM TO 5 PM

Art in the Park

Come and visit the newly redone Dykshoorn Park, hear live music performed from the band shell, and support local art by shopping at over 100 local artists’ arts and crafts booths. The two-day event also features live music and delicious food vendors.

All Class Reunion for Mandan High School 6pm at Bennigans

JULY 4

8 am – Mandan Road Race $

This is the 46th year of this historic 5k run/walk that takes place on Main Street Mandan. Not only is it a fun way to kick off the day’s festivities, it is also an easy way to support the Bismarck Cancer Center, as $10 from every registration is donated to the Bismarck Cancer Center.

AUGUST

10:30 am - Independence Day Parade

The Mandan parade is as old as the Mandan Rodeo and just as beloved. Don’t miss out on the state’s longest parade on Main Street in Mandan.

JULY 5TH-9TH

North Dakota State Fair in New Salem $

JULY 13TH-15TH

Campground Fun Day at Fort Lincoln State Park

JULY 16

Watermelon Days at North Dakota State Railroad Museum

AUGUST 2ND-6TH

Morton County Fair in New Salem $

AUGUST 5

1 pm– Fido’s State Park Adventure at Ft. Lincoln State Park

AUGUST 10

4-7 pm- End of Mandan Library Summer Reading Program Celebration

This celebratory social will have ice cream, food, games, door prizes and more as a way to celebrate all the participants dedication to reading over the summer.

AUGUST 12-13TH

Living History Garrison at Ft. Lincoln State Park

AUGUST 17-19TH

Inflatable in the Campground at Ft. Lincoln State Park

AUGUST 25

Noon to 11 pm, and August 26th, 10 am to 11 pm - Midwest Flavor Fest

Amazing food trucks, live music, artisanal vendors, and yard games. What more could you want on a summer evening?

AUGUST 27

Railroad Days 1pm-4pm at the ND State Railroad Museum