7th annual Wildrose Music in the Park event.

nual ‘Wildrose Music in the Park’. “Our family (the Peterson Family), we had been playing for years and years and things were really starting to slow down. A lot of the events that we went to, they just weren’t happening anymore.” Arlon Peterson shared. “So seven years ago, we decided that we were just going to have a concert in the park and we had a BBQ.” From that, the event has really expanded over the years! 2023 has a full line-up of more than a dozen different musical groups.

The little BBQ has grown as well! Last year around 300 people were served hamburgers and hotdogs, provided by the Alliance Church. They are planning to do the same thing this year. “The church donates the food. It will be good, and it’s FREE!” said Peterson. He went on to say, “Really it isn’t all about just the music. It’s an opportunity for people to come together and visit… it’s a community thing! People are just so busy anymore and neighbors don’t see neighbors. So I do this so that people can get together and visit while they’re listening to music.”

This year’s headliner, The Waddington Brothers, have been performing together since 2004. They’ve performed with notable artists such as The Kruger Brothers, Ron Block and others. They are a versatile acoustic bluegrass group that is sure to have your toes tapping! One of the brothers, Ethan, won second place in the National Bluegrass Banjo Championship one year in Winfield Kansas. The group is also the 1st Place 2023 International Band Champions.

The event is held in the park next to the Alliance Gospel Chapel on 2nd Ave. and Carmody Street. Music will begin at 5:00 PM on Sunday, July 30th 2023 with the free meal served at 6:00 PM. In addition to The Waddington Brothers, there will also be; Zachariah Shipman and the West Park Band (Crosby, ND), RW Evitt (McGregor, ND), the Gilbertson/Qualley Family, Jim Booth (Tioga, ND), The Alliance Band, the Peterson Family Band, Alecia Jan (Alamo, ND), Patrick Crews (Linton, ND) and many more. Peterson says that Crews has a “Randy Travis voice”. Alecia Jan is a new addition this year. She is a 16-year-old singer/ songwriter and has newly released music out on Spotify! You can download the app for free to listen to her songs. Also in the mix is Crosby/Noonan local, Cody Roland, who will emcee the event and keep the entertainment rolling.

Attendants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to utilize while listening to the groups. Whether it’s to hear great music, visit with your neighbor, or eat delicious free BBQ, the ‘Wildrose Music in the Park’ is the place to be! For any questions regarding the event, people are encouraged to contact Arlon Peterson at (701) 648-9848.