Mandan gets ready for the Fourth

MANDAN, ND ( KXNET ) — With the Fourth of July upon us, there are several North Dakota towns that are already preparing for their patriotic events, including Mandan, where they’re already getting things ready to welcome people in for the festivities.

The City of Mandan has already decorated the streets in red, white, and blue with flags up on the poles on Main Street as they prepare for a couple of fun-filled days for people who want to come out and celebrate the Independence Day holiday.

“This is a huge event. Mandan Rodeo Days is kind of Mandan’s ‘Christmas in July’, as you could say it,” expressed Matt Schanandore, Executive Director of the Mandan Progress Organization. He said there will be an arts and crafts festival in Downtown Mandan to kick things off along with a parade down Main Street on the Fourth.

Mandan’s 51st Annual Art in the Park Festival starts Wednesday, July 3 and runs through July 4. Over 150 local and regional artisans have already set up their arts and crafts displays in Dykshoorn and Heritage Parks as they anticipate many people coming out to see them.

“We love these types of events. People come out to buy. People come out to interact in a good mood,” said Jeremy Uttecht, who owns DK Handmade and has set his display tent up by the Heritage Park fountain. “If the weather’s good, shows are much better for people because they are in better spirits, and the atmosphere is really conducive to what we do and we just love being here.”

Lynn Sanchelli, an artisan from Minnesota came to Mandan following a busy week of showing her talents at other craft fairs. “I travel all around the country. I’m from the Twin Cities and I just got done with the Olympic Trials Market,” she explained.

Sanchelli owns “Painted Stuf” and looks forward to meeting people this week. “My art brings me to all kinds of different places, and this is my first time here. So, I’m really excited to be here,” explained Sanchelli.

In addition to Art in the Park, there are plenty of other events planned in Mandan to celebrate the Independence Day holiday for the entire family.

“The rodeo is in its 145th year as well as the Independence Day Parade. So, this is Mandan’s history and culture coming to life here and we’re just so happy to be presenting it again for 2024,” said Schanandore. Mandan Rodeo Days takes place July 3 – 4 at Dale Pahlke Arena in Mandan’s Centennial Park.

Schanandore adds that there will also be a 5-K Road Race on Main Street on July 4 and people can also come out and watch the fireworks display that night.

For a complete list of event days and times for the Fourth of July festivities, click on the City of Mandan website .

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