Category Archives: Events

50th annual Mandan Art Show

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This was the scene at the Mandan Community Center this weekend, which is where the 50th Mandan Art Show is taking place. Artwork was dropped off by adult and student artists, then hung carefully in place while all the ancillary details were handled. I climbed above the action with my 10mm wide-angle lens and captured some of the activity.

I have four pieces in this show, all are for sale. I spent hours late at night in my garage doing the mounting, matting, and framing. Thankfully I have a very glorious and enormous heated garage, complete with satellite TV and a fridge full of Dew. It still made for some long nights. That reminds me…if you ever see a photo on this blog that you really like and want to order a print, just contact me. I can make big poster-sized prints for you. Pricing details available upon request.

I guess the Mandan News has printed a history of the art show, and one of the ladies they featured (first year’s winner, I think) was a lady named Betty. I met her several years ago, last century I suppose, when my parents used to give her a ride to church. She’s passed away now. When I spent time with her on those rides to church I had no idea she was an artist, and I certainly was no photographer.

Luke Graner at the Walrus

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I can’t believe I went to the Walrus and didn’t order a huge plate of pasta! Not only did my wife feed me a hearty meal before I left, but I was also there on a mission: to record Luke Graner’s set during the “Suchy & Friends” night. I brought my MD recorder and decided to take a few photos while rolling.

Obviously I enjoyed the show, even though Luke didn’t play any of my favorites (hint, hint) and the start of a nasty cold that made me want to flop down on a couch somewhere. One of the coolest things I saw through the whole evening (aside from my friend Ellen) was that the drummer was playing a big yellow Samsonite. It worked great as a bass drum, I would have never expected that!

Once Luke’s show was done, I grabbed my gear and went home to that couch and a nice hot Theraflu. I’ll never look at luggage the same way again.

The eleventh hour

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I don’t know how many of you folks have looked far back enough to see me post about the Veteran’s Memorial at the state capitol grounds, but this year marks the first time I actually made it to the memorial on Veteran’s Day. As noted in my original post, this monument has a unique feature that displays itself on Veteran’s Day.

On Veteran’s Day at 11:00am, the sun sweeps a path across the metal globe in the middle of the monument. Judging by the number of people waiting to catch a glimpse of this once-a-year happening, I can see it’s no secret.

North Dakota is raised on this globe, and polished. When the sun comes across the globe, the great state of North Dakota shines. It was dull when I inspected the site on Saturday, so I rubbed it furiously to try to shine it up. You’d think someone would have thought of that already, but I guess not.

This is the base upon which the globe sits. Note that the inscription says “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day.” That’s important…

…because I got there late. I mistakenly thought it would be at 11:11. The significance of all those elevens, by the way? World War I ended at 11:00 on 11/11/1918. I mistakenly thought there would be a fourth eleven in the time that the sun was centered on North Dakota. That’s why it’s off-center in the photo above.

Here’s the tube through which the sun shines to reach the globe in the middle of the memorial. It casts about a four-inch circle of light on the globe when fully aligned at 11:00. It appears to have some sort of reflective inside, although I don’t know if that’s true. While the sun is coming through it, it’s hard to look at.

I’d like to pass along a belated thanks to all veterans. Closest to me are my friends Reed and Tony, although I’ve met many others and owe my freedom to millions of ’em. Military service is not something to be taken lightly. The memorial at the state capitol bears the names of North Dakota soldiers who lost their lives in service to their country. If you haven’t inspected this memorial, which has a new parking lot and is just south of the State Library building, please pay it a visit.

Dr. David Jeremiah visits Bismarck-Mandan

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My wife and I, along with many friends, were in attendance last night for the celebration of KNDR’s 30th year in broadcasting. We got to hear a little bit of background on its beginnings from the daughter of one of the stations founders, and the “main attraction” was a sermon on the servant-oriented Christian life by Dr. David Jeremiah, a visiting preacher who is featured on the station (and hundreds of other stations as well).

The attendance numbered almost double the last Civic Center event I attended, so I think support was very good. The station is also trying to secure funding for the next broadcast year, so it was also a call for support.

The message I got last night is that Christians aren’t supposed to get tunnel vision between home and the church building. It was a good reminder, and hit me right between the eyes considering where I’m at right now. Our church has community evangelism ministries, in which I have not been taking part lately. There are always folks in need and it’s so easy for us to focus on our own immediate concerns. I’m going to try to do better in meeting others with the Gospel ready to share.

In a somewhat related note, on Sunday I added a new mini-feature to this site, the Bible Verse of the Week. You’ll see it in the menu on the right-hand side of this site. That is, of course, unless you read these posts on a site that syndicates my blog…in which case, you need to come directly to the source!

BAGA presents 63rd annual Fall Art Show

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Today marks the start of the Fall Art show at the BAGA gallery in downtown Bismarck. The event kicks off with an artists’ reception at 5. The show will take place from today, October 2nd, through the 27th. I don’t know what day that is, because I just looked up at the catalog in my office and saw that it’s on July. Time flies, doesn’t it?

Luke Graner Band

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Tonight I took my boy and strolled him around the downtown area, as it was Urban Harvest night and our pal Luke Graner was performing. We met up with some other friends and enjoyed the evening’s show. In addition to some of our old favorites, we got to hear a new tune or two as well. There’s a ton of stuff for a seven month old boy to see, too. I snarfed some A&B pizza, he had some grape Pedialyte, and we brought home a bag of popcorn from the Walrus.

While at the line at the Walrus counter, I had the opportunity to thank Randy. I had the opportunity to tell Randy and his folks how the Walrus is special to my wife and me. Our first date was at the Walrus; I got food from the Walrus for our picnic when I proposed to my wife at Pioneer Park; on our wedding day, we went straight from the church to the Walrus in our wedding garb; and the Walrus has been our anniversary spot as well! They serve all kinda of good stuff at Urban Harvest as well.

Luke and friends (and sister) played for a while, then handed things off to Fat Dad. A fun time was had by all, and little PJ and I decided to walk the downtown area for a while before going home. Urban Harvest is quaint but not my cup of tea, since it’s a little too hippie-ish for my tastes. It’s interesting to get a glimpse of the fantasy world of the peaceniks though, and it’s a harmless little weekly festival. There’s good food and live music, and it was great to be out on a night like tonight. My boy saw a lot of friends and a lot of new things, and I try to never miss a chance to see Luke perform.

Capitol A’Fair continues today

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Our family went to the Capitol A’Fair yesterday, perusing all the tents and talking with all the photographers. We couldn’t have asked for a nicer day, with moderate temperatures and a mild breeze. Here are some of the things that jumped out at me during our lap and a half around the capitol grounds:

I wanna rock. This booth had a number of different inscriptions in a variety of stones…of course I found this one the most intriguing.

“Hostile and abusive” weather vane. Probably won’t be seen atop any NCAA buildings in the near future, although it would be tempting to send them one.

Of all the days to have your wedding photo taken at the capitol! I wonder how far this wedding party had to walk in their fancy duds…parking was limited due to the successful attendance.

Missouri River Boys. dot com. Gospel and Bluegrass music for all to enjoy. They were also giving out fliers for the 2nd annual Bismarck Bluegrass Festival to be held at Sleepy Hollow Park on August 17th and 18th! I’m sure their website has more details.

Flavor your own snow cone…YES! And they were huge, too. I made mine half green apple, half grape.

It wouldn’t be anything near a Fair if it didn’t have kettlecorn. I’m not a fan, but my wife brought home a big bag. Note all the fans they have hanging…I bet it’s HOT next to those kettles!

Sidewalk art. This was an amazingly intricate design, although the whole theme made me think of airbrushing on the side of a Dodge van with bubble windows back in the 1970s.

Well, that’s a sample of what I saw at the Capitol A’Fair on Saturday. It still runs until 4pm Sunday, weather permitting. As I check the radar right now, that might be a stretch. Hopefully they are able to have a full day of fun today to follow up the great time yesterday.

July 4th in pictures: the Mandan parade, Symphony, and Capitol fireworks

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You’d be astonished how many hits I get on this site from out of state. Most are folks that left North Dakota, some many years ago, and are still looking back. It’s for you guys that I knock myself out to provide a little bit of the feel of July 4th here in Bismarck-Mandan. I’ll provide a few somewhat witty captions for context.

We’ll start with the Mandan July 4th Parade:

Fred Flintstone was there. Those arm tats must have been applied after the show was cancelled – they don’t look like Hanna-Barbera work.

What could be….well, cooler than a motorized cooler? Obviously one with nitrous, but that’s probably still on the drawing board.

First of the ninth, seventh pocketbike cav. First on the ground and keeping the throttle pinned wide open.

I’m no horseman, but I’m guessing it takes an exceptional combination of horse and rider to spend hours on top of the trailer. Here are two. Just think, nobody has to go behind them with a shovel! But I wonder if the occasional “dropping” makes the top of the trailer slippery…

“Vote for me, and I’ll continue to support the proud citizens of Massachussetts…er, North Dakota. You know, all that anti-war, pro-abortion, high-tax, big government stuff that I campaigned on.”

Next year, they’re going to bring the BIG one.

Midwest Business Systems demonstrates their technique for getting an S-10 to wheelie: tongue weight. I’m not charging them for the link, btw.

Hostile and Abusive Bus. Making someone walk three miles in a hockey jersey in this heat, now THAT is hostile and abusive. GO FIGHTING SIOUX!

These are the guys that the aforementioned cowardly Earl Pomeroy voted against last year. Don’t worry guys, we spectators were clapping and shouting thank-yous. Makes you wonder who Earl Pomeroy is representing, doesn’t it?

Thanks to Mandan’s leveling of many of its historic buildings, there’s ample parking. Maybe that could be a new city slogan! “Come to Mandan…at least you can park downtown.” They’d have a definite advantage over Bismarck there.

Amen.

“Seriously, kid…I once caught a Gundar this tall…”

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. -James 2:10

Now let’s shift gears to the state capitol. My wife, boy, and I arrived at the show a little late as we had other things going on this evening. No worries, we were able to hook up with our friends in time to catch the second half of the performance by the Bismarck Mandan Symphony. The show was hosted by Kent Conrad, who could walk to the festivities from the apartment building he owns (if he actually lived there). Anyway, here’s the pics:

Even my new wide angle lens couldn’t capture all the folks who brought camping chairs and staked out a spot to enjoy the evening.

The capitol mall was pretty full too, although I think there were more people last year. The good news: the mosquitos were scarce!

Ladies and gentlemen: the Bismarck Mandan Symphony!

Doctor J. Plastic surgeon, weekend weatherman, soloist.

Bugler’s Holiday.

Hypocrite Earl Pomeroy, looking around to see if anyone sees him clapping in the front row during the Armed Forces Salute. “Maybe they’ve forgotten that I voted against our soldiers last year!” Not likely.

The fireworks started before it got dark, but they still put on a good show. I would have a ton of pics here, but we had little PJ with us. This was his first time seeing fireworks, so we cuddled on a blanket with him and watched his big eyes and expression as he marveled at the sight. He’s SO handsome! So I snapped a couple of shots, put the camera in the bag, and enjoyed the finale of July 4th with my family. I hope you had the opportunity to share the day with yours!

Buggies ‘n’ Blues 2007 – a few notable cars

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I took my boy to walk the Buggies ‘n’ Blues last weekend and peruse all the cars and trucks on display. He’s only five months old, so I’m not sure what he gets out of it, but he sure was rubbernecking the entire time! So I guess it was a worthwhile effort. I can’t wait until he gets old enough to appreciate this stuff, because I’m going to take him EVERYWHERE.

There were a lot of vehicles on display this year. Everything from unremarkable Hondas whose owner had taken the time to Krylon the brake calipers to painstakingly restored works of automotive art. There were even some “motorcycles” there as well. I’m not a car guy…I mean, I never met a Corvette I didn’t like, but I’d be the last one in the world to sink a ton of money into something with four wheels. High performance motorcycles, though? That’s another matter. Anyway, here are a few vehicles that caught my eye over the weekend:

This 1930 Ford Model A has been given a bit of a hooligan treatment, so I thought it had a lot of character. It isn’t bristling with chrome or a high-dollar paint job, but it looks like it would be a blast to get in and drive it like I stole it! Nice work.

I want a convertible for some reason, and this Fairlane really stood out. My wife thought it looked like fun as well, and I think she’s right. I think it’s that gigantic mechanical hard top that does it. Sweet!

The orange and cream color of this Pontiac instantly won our hearts, especially because I grew up scarfing Dreamsicles back in the Rocky Mountains in the 70’s. Do they still call them Dreamsicles? I think they quit doing that in the late 70’s. The paint job on this car made the difference for us; if it had been any other color, I don’t think we’d have stopped.

Despite years of ridiculing all things Chrysler, I must admit my respect for the Cuda. Especially one that’s Kawasaki Green! Mom didn’t say anything as my boy and I were magnetically drawn to the shiny green car, but this wasn’t just about paint. This is a mean machine that just happens to be green. Just like Kawasaki, it takes a bit of boldness to make something such a blazing, in-your-face color, and I like it. There are only three cars in the history of Chrysler that I’d even give a second glance, and this is at the top of the list. And it’s in my color, too!

There you have it. An extremely unscientific and pretty much random look at Buggies ‘n’ Blues. A guy could put up a whole website about the event; the lime snow cones we had, the cars which represent thousands of dollars and hundreds of restoration hours on the part of the passionate folks who brought them, or even just the idea of getting out and walking around Mandan for an afternoon. It was a blast, and I like to see that many people pour into Mandan for a weekend. I’m really glad we were able to attend, and we look forward to next year’s show!

National Trails Day 2007

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Saturday, June 2nd was National Trails Day. I can’t say that I knew that, but I did “hit the trail” yesterday anyway. One of my motorcycles is a dual-sport bike, basically a street legal dirt bike, and I put it to both uses Saturday afternoon.

The trip took me to a few different trail heads north of Mandan. Not only did I visit the Square Buttes from the western side of the river, but I also stopped in to visit my friends who are setting up for the Price Hare Scramble race, which sadly I won’t be entering because of church. I wish those things were held on Saturdays! Then I ventured north to the Cross Ranch State Park for a bit, taking photos along the way.

The pictures I got were pretty cool, I’ll probably be posting them over the next few days. In my opinion, the land north of Mandan is some of the most beautiful country North Dakota has to offer, especially now that everything is so green. It’s a long drive on a thumping dirt bike, but that makes it easy to deal with the gravel road and the dirt trails! The last thing I wanted to do when I got back, however was sit down…