Labor Day Weekend at Old Settlers' Day

Image courtesy Pixabay

As much as we love the Summer weather, the time has come to put away the white pants and sandals, and unpack and sweaters. Although Fall doesn't officially start until September 23, Labor Day weekend has come to signify Summer's unofficial send-off. If you are searching for some fun ways to end the season, look no further than the neighboring town of Alexander, who is celebrating its 70th annual Old Settlers' Day tradition this Labor Day weekend!

For the past 70 years (with the exception of 1950), the Alexander Old Settlers' Day celebration has been held on the first Saturday in September, but it has since grown into a days-long celebration. This year's Old Settlers' Day festivities begin tomorrow, September 3, and run through Sunday, September 6. Activities to look forward to include a chili cook-off, parade, and barbecue, just to list a few. At the first celebration, the Burns family donated meat for the community feed, and modeled after this act, each year a family is honored during the celebration, and this family donates meat to the Saturday barbecue. This year's honorees are the members of the Jack and Elizabeth Hatter family, who will, indeed, donate meat to Saturday's community cookout!

The schedule of events for the festival begins with a bonfire tomorrow at 7 P.M, and ramp up on Friday with the chili cook off and street dance. The festival culminates on Saturday, with activities like the parade, arts & crafts and food vendors, community barbecue, kids' carnival, Alexander Comets football game, bingo, horseshoes at the Hi-Way Lounge and yet another street dance! The Hatter family honors will take place on Saturday, as well. Entertainment for the street dances will be provided by The Culprits (Friday) and The Great Outdoors (Saturday). To view the complete event schedule, click here.

This event is enjoyable for guests of all ages! If you are interested in attending this family-friendly event, purchase an Old Settlers' Day button for $2! The drive from your apartment home at The Glen at Hunter's Run in Watford City to Alexander is only 25 minutes!

If you would rather stay close to home over the holiday weekend, you can always visit one of Watford City's parks and have a picnic with your friends and family! Do you have other exciting plans for the weekend? Share them with us on our Facebook and Twitter pages!