Belfield to celebrate quasquicentennial

BELFIELD — From July 11-13, Belfield is celebrating 125 years of existence with a variety of shows, dances and parachute jumps.

To kick off the event on Friday, July 11, the Black Daggers, a U.S. Special Operations Parachute Demonstration Team is landing on Main Street at 4:30 p.m.

Class reunions also are taking place from 5-10 p.m. in the pavilion on Main Street.

“There will be class reunions for the classes of 1988 and 1958,” said Richard Volesky, chairman of the event.

On Saturday beginning at 8 a.m., a Fishing for Fun Derby is at the Belfield Dam Park, as people can show up as they wish to join in the fishing fun.

At 11 a.m., the 125th anniversary parade takes place starting on Main Street.

“We are hoping to have around 30 entries or so, but entrants can just show up and line up on the day of the event,” Volesky said.

From 1-4 p.m., the North Dakota Pottery Collectors are holding a society show. The show includes a history presentation, a question and answer session, as well as a pottery identification session by the members of the Potter Collectors.

From 4–6 p.m., a variety show is at the Belfield Theatre, which is an adaptation of an earlier variety show.

“We had a variety show in May, and we changed it around to be an anniversary concert,” Volesky said. “There will be two categories: Vocals with your own accompaniment, or instrumental.”

At dusk, a fireworks show is presented. From 9 p.m. until 12 a.m. a dance under the stars is slated with the band A Avenue.

After the dance starts, at 9:30 p.m. the Black Daggers are doing a night jump near Trappers Kettle.

On Sunday, guided church tours take place at Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

“Renovations have taken place over the past couple of years, and almost everything that needs to be done has been done,” Volesky said. “It dates back to 1917.”

At 2 p.m. on Sunday, a demolition derby is at the lot south of the John Steiner Baseball Field/ Makaruk Addition.

“We encourage pre-registration for the event, but people can just show up,” Volesky said. “We will figure out the heats with how many people enter. For this event there are $2,500 in prizes available to win.”

Volesky added the various events are possible through fundraising and donations.

“We’ve had donations and fundraising that totals approximately $20,000,” Volesky said. “We expect to pretty much spend it all.”

For more information on the Belfield 125th celebration, visit www.belfieldnd.com.

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