Richardton to celebrate 125 years

RICHARDTON — Beginning July 11, Richardton is celebrating its 125th anniversary with singing, dancing and town tours.

Friday starts off with an open house at the Richardton-Taylor High School beginning at 1 p.m. In addition to the open house, various class gatherings are taking place throughout the afternoon.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the “Raiders Idol” show is at the high School featuring local talent.

“Last I heard, they had about 10 entrants, but they are always looking for more,” said Marla Hoff, secretary of the Richardton Civic Club. “They can accept as many as 25.”

From 9-10 p.m., a commemorative coin auction is taking place, offering patrons the opportunity to buy a one-of-a-kind silver coin commemorating Richardton’s 125th anniversary.

“The silver coins are solid silver, and there are 125 coins, and each coin is stamped with a different year, starting in 1883 and going until 2008,” Hoff said.

Bronze coins also are available for $5 throughout the weekend and have the Richardton anniversary logo on the head of the coin and three different designs to choose from on the other side.

From 9 p.m. until 1 a.m., a dance is slated with the music of local band “Dakota Breeze.”

All day Saturday, mostly local food vendors are available, as well as non-food vendors who are offering things such as a build-a-bear booth and a booth that’s displaying Assumption Abbey memorabilia, among others.

At 10 a.m. Saturday the Richardton Parade, “Celebrating 125 years of Heritage and Heroes” takes place and Hoff said it’s in honor of veterans.

“We wanted to somehow recognize our veterans and our pioneers,” Hoff said. “The pioneers that started Richardton were important so it became heroes and heritage all rolled into one.

A fleischkeuchla dinner is at the American Legion at 11 a.m., featuring the German favorite, which is dough and seasoned beef.

Following the parade also is a cutest baby contest.

From 1-4 p.m., tours around town take place and include the Assumption Abbey, Sacred Heart Monastery and Red Trail Energy.

Musical entertainment from 1-5 p.m. features the Dickinson Elks Sodbuster Band and the Friday Night Gang.

The Roughrider Association Rodeo is at the Richardton Arena at 6 p.m., and a dance with the band “Icebreaker” follows at 9 p.m. and a fireworks display over the football field is at 10 p.m.

Sunday features church services with a cowboy prayer service at 9 a.m., a rodeo slack also at 9 a.m. if needed, and the conclusion of the Roughrider Association Rodeo at 2 p.m.

For more information about the Richardton 125th celebration, visit the Web site at www.richardton125.com.

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