Just My Opinion - by Mary Kilen
Here’s Hoping The Weather Cooperates
As we head into the Independence Day schedule, I’ve been listening to the weatherman predict rain for July 4. I hope he’s wrong or it doesn’t end up being too much because there is so much to do in Stanley on Thursday and Friday.
Things will kick off on Thursday with the Firecracker 5K run hosted by the Stanley Park Board. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Sauber Sports Complex parking lot. Please note the change of location this year due to construction at the high school. The run will start at 8:15 a.m. and wrap up with prize giveaways at 9:15 a.m. An alternate course will be available for those who do not want to do the full 5K. Proceeds will go towards the outdoor pool project. For more information you can check out the Stanley Rec.-Stanley Park District Facebook Page, email stanleyrecdirector@gmail.com or call 701-629-8990. Registration forms are available at Bravera Bank or on the Park District Facebook page.
Prairie Lutheran Parish will be bringing back their breakfast with the parish council serving a pancake breakfast in the Prairie Ford parking lot starting at 9:00 a.m. until the parades start.
Parades will start with the Kiddie Parade at 10:30 a.m. Participants are asked to meet at the Bravera Bank parking lot starting at 10:00 a.m.
The Main Parade will start at 11:00 a.m., featuring floats, antique cars, equipment, horses and more. Entrants can contact Matt Evans at 629-0373, Kyle Hanson at 621-6042 or Steve Springan at 629-1352.
More entrants are always welcome. Parade entries and classic cars with gather in the courthouse area. Large equipment and saddle club entrants are asked to gather at the train depot where organizers will line you up for the parade. The parade will go down Main Street and then head east on 6th Avenue.
Following the parade, the car and bike show will be held at Flickertail Village. The village will be open that day from 1 to 4 p.m. as host of the show. The show is open to all makes and models. You can register as you arrive. Lunch will also be served at Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church from noon to 2:00 p.m.
With the new pool now open, there will be free swimming from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. with games and more for the kids. There will also be food trucks in the park during the day.
As always, the day will wrap up with Fireworks at dusk over the Knife, south of the Mountrail County Fair Building and South Complex. You can use the parking lot at the Fair Building and South Complex to get the best seat in the house as the Stanley Volunteer Firemen set off this annual spectacular sponsored by the Stanley Commercial Club and the Fire Department.
The annual street dance will be held on Friday, July 5 using 1st St. SE by Wilson Park. Music by Matt Aakre and the Dirty Little Secret starts at 8:30 p.m. They have performed several times at Stars in the Park in Stanley. There will be food by Backdraft BBQ and The Five Spot Bar will have the bar area this year. The dance will move to the arena in the Fair Building in the event of inclement weather.
July 4 festivities are always full of family gatherings and class reunions as well. Many will also participate in the July 4 parade.
You can also check out the Stanley Commercial Club’s Facebook page for updates to any of the events happening over the weekend.