MAIN STREET MANIA

By Alyssa Stromberg

If you want to truly take in small town hospitality and fun, mark your calendar for the third weekend of June. You can guarantee a rain shower will pass over, but that won’t deter the fun or the crowd. It’s become a tradition to get the festivities started, we need to wait out a shower. This year was no exception! When the clouds came over, a heavy downpour was released. There was no shortage of puddles or wet littles who took advantage of the warm weather and a small river down main St. Cornhole boards were dried off, instructions given, and the competition began.

The annual event in Medicine Lake originated in 1976, it is one of the community club’s big events. There is a meal, music and carnival games on main street and conversation, the pool offers free swim during the afternoon. The Honker Foundation has put on the cornhole tournament for the last three years, and it has grown in teams. This event draws teams near and far for friendly competition.

Through the years the volunteers have changed, some activities have gone by the wayside and others have replaced them. What never changes are the coming to- gether of friends, neighbors, and visitors. Main street mania is a time when graduating classes plan their reunions, those that grew up here plan their family visit home during this time.

The laughter, smiles, and pure joy of the littles as they win prizes, see friends, and are carefree is contagious. Main street is the lifeblood and main stay of all towns, but especially our small towns across the map.

Oracle •June 21, 2023 for everyone, from kids to adults. “Most of the activities are free or very low cost, thanks to our fantastic sponsors,” says Natasha. “Our goal is to make this the most fun, free family-friendly event possible, and we couldn’t do it without the help of our sponsors and community.”

Summer Fest will kick off on Friday, June 30th at 9:00pm with a free showing of the movie Super Mario Bros. at the Wildrose City Park. Popcorn and snacks will be available for sale starting at 8:30pm, and everyone is encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets for comfortable seating.

On Saturday, July 1st, vendors will be set up from 11am-4pm at the Tennis Court on Main Street, along with the annual Chalk Contest. “The chalk contest is open to all ages, even adults,” says Crain. “Judging takes place at 4pm and the top three entries chosen will win a prize.”

The event revs up with a parade down Main Street at 11:30am, followed by the Main Street car show. “There is no entry fee for the parade or car show,” shares Natasha. “Entries for the parade will line up at the Fire Hall starting at 1030, and following the parade cars can get set up on Main for the show. We’ve had a great turnout in the past and are hoping to again this year.”

The action-packed fun continues throughout the day. Let the kids burn off that extra energy on the inflatables, and take them over for some creative face painting by Natasha’s Canvas. Rocky Top Petting Zoo will also be in town for all the animal-lovers to check out. “The kid’s activities are all free,” says Crain. “It’s a great opportunity for adults to have some time to visit while their kid’s take in all the exciting activities.”

Adults who enjoy hitting the greens will have an opportunity to pay to play in a 9-hole tournament at the Wildrose Golf Course. Competition kicks off at high-noon on Saturday, and anyone with questions should contact Shari Cvancara at 701-570-2503.

Music fills the air from 3-4pm with toe-tapping tunes from the Alliance Band, and everyone can enjoy some friendly competition at 5pm when the community comes together for a free neighborhood block party, complete with yard games and a watermelon seed spitting contest. Supper will be available in the park, hosted by and benefiting the Wildrose Fire Department.

A SummerFest can’t be complete without the best foods to feed your cravings, and don’t worry – this year’s festival has plenty of delicious options for everyone! In addition to the Fire Department supper, the Wildrose Mixer and Golf Course will both be open and serving all day, in addition to the five food trucks that will be stationed on Main Street – from burgers and BBQ to snow cones and smoothies, everyone’s tastebuds will be satisfied!

Starting at 9pm, you can show off your best moves and dance the night away to ‘8th Hour.’ “The dance is free and will be held on Main Street. The Mixer also plans to be open late for anyone who needs a drink or a late night snack,” says Crain.

The park will again be the center of activity on Sunday morning with a community church service, hosted by the Alliance Gospel Chapel and Grace Lutheran Church. “Praise in the Park starts at 9am - feel free to bring a chair or blanket to sit on,” shares Natasha. Following the commu- nity service, the Wildrose Lions will be serving a freewill donation brunch, and friends and family alike can say goodbye to each other and another year of smalltown fun.

“We’re so thankful for all the sponsors and volunteers that make this event happen,” shares Crain. From dollars, to mowing lawns, cleaning up the park…the entire town really comes together to make this happen. That’s one of the many reasons I love living here.”

Parade and car show questions and entries can