The event is hosted by the "Chokecherry Kids."
As organizer Tom Kvamme explains it, the activity was inspired by former sixth grade students at Rickard Elementary who introduced legislation designating the chokecherry as the official state fruit of North Dakota.
The former elementary school children began pitching the idea to District 1 Sen. Stan Lyson, R-Williston in 2006.
The children's idea didn't simply pass as a novelty concept and given the nod. The children had to research the prevalence of the fruit in the state and testify before legislative committees to argue their cause. After going through all the committees and legislative hoops of the 2007 North Dakota Legislative session, the children were present when Gov. John Hoeven signed the bill into law. They also were featured in a special North Dakota history edition printed for elementary students around the state.
Since the chokecherry legislation was given birth here, locals began to reason something should mark the children's efforts. "This is just a follow-up of the Chokecherry Kids. It got a lot of positive press around the state. People decided they might as well have a festival," Kvamme said.
He estimates some 1,500 attended the debut event in 2007.
"It's tied into back to school, and we just want to celebrate the accomplishments of the Chokecherry Kids," he explained. "It got off to a good start last year. We hope to give it some legs.
Kvamme said this year's event is so chocked full of activities, they added another day to the event.
Miss Chokecherry 2008 Morgan Benth will be appearing throughout the festival.
This year, organizers are teaming up with Nemont celebrating Customer Appreciation Day by providing free hamburgers and door prizes for area youth beginning at 4 p.m.
To complement the burgers, American State Bank and Trust will serve ice cream, topped with chokecherry syrup.
"In conjunction with the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce 'Shop Williston First Committee,' the Virgil Syverson Performance Center (VSPC) will host a Back to School style show from 5 to 5:45 p.m. Friday," Kvamme said. The show is sponsored by Vanity.
Williston native Celeste Krenz, returns from Nashville, and will follow with her performance between 6 and 8 p.m. at the performance center.
More chokecherry action continues on the morning of Aug. 16 as Mercy Medical Center sponsors a free pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Harmon Park. Chokecherry syrup will top off the cakes.
A 5K run and walk, and a one-mile fun run will be held at 9 a.m., Aug. 16 at Harmon Park. These races and activities begin and end in the park area. To register, call the Williston Convention and Visitors Bureau at 774-9041 or pick up an entry at locations throughout the community.
Kvamme noted that numerous vendors will dot the park throughout the day, beginning at 10 a.m. Many have a chokecherry theme.
A youth parade is slated for 11 a.m., Aug. 16. Rickard Elementary instructor Nancy Selby, who taught the students who appealed for the state fruit's status will be the parade marshal. Atypical of most parades, this one will start at the Old Armory and conclude at Harmon Park. Children ages six and under may join in the parade at the Eagle Ridge Wellness Center. Prizes will be available for participants. There will be a drawing for two youth bikes.
All entries will receive a $10 gift certificate from Jack & Jewel's Barbecue.
Kvamme said entries are still being sought for the youth parade. Those interested in participating are asked to call 774-9041.
An awards ceremony will follow the parade.
Kvamme said also new this year will be Camp Liberty. The family camp will be offered through the Liberty Evangelical Free Church runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. that Saturday. "Games and activities will be available for children of all ages. "There will be a jumping castle, scavenger hunt, a bubble factory, balloon games and a wet sand station," Kvamme said.
"We'll have Dizzy and Cloudy the Clown and train rides around the park."
Kvamme describes the festival as a nice family event just before the launch of school.
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