Birders in Carrington 2013

 It was fun meeting with birders who gathered at the Putnam House after a week of participating in our Potholes & Prairie Birding Festival. From 23 states and Canada, they are a GREAT group... super interested in birds and super interesting, themselves. Listening to them made me want to participate in the event next year! 

All in all everyone I talked to seemed very pleased with their tours and their birding adventures. They praised the coordinator of the event, Ann Hoffert, saying that everything was extremely well organized.  They mentioned many times that they really liked our area and all the friendly people who went out of their way to say hi or offer help.  

Some of the birders met their goal of identifying over 100 birds!  It made me realize what an AWESOME variety of birds that we have in our area!!  Several birders from New York mentioned that they had booked the event and reservations in our area over a year ago... just to see the birds that we mostly take for granted.

Here's a big THANK YOU to all the birders who invested their time and energy here.  Hope to see you again next year!

Favorite Photos from 2012 - Carrington, North Dakota

 I love wandering around Carrington, going to many of the activities that take place here, taking photos of its many attractions... Here are some of my favorite pictures that were taken in 2012. If you live in Carrington, you may find a glimpse of yourself here! Hope you enjoy the slideshow! Note: A few of these photos were taken by friends who gave me permission to use them.

Foster County Courthouse - Carrington, North Dakota

"The Foster County Courthouse is one of the thirteen Buechner and Orth courthouses in North Dakota named to the National Register of Historic Places by the Secretary of the Interior in 1980. The building, both inside and out, has remained virtually unchanged during its 70 years of service to the citizens of the county. Its stark outlines are now obscured and softened by trees which reach as high as the pediment over the front entrance. It no longer gives the impression of standing isolated on the flat prairies, residences have been built as close as across the street on two sides. The exterior brick and stonework show only a minimum of weathering and wear, and there are no obvious cracks or uneven settling of the structure. The copper sheathing of the dome, now covered with aluminum paint, still shines from the distance on sunny days." (Description is taken from A History of Foster County, compiled by the Foster County History Book Committee in cooperation with the Foster County Commission and in conjunction wit the Foster County Centennial - 1983:) It was absolutely rewarding wandering through this impressive building... taking photos of many of its unique and beautiul aspects.

The Chieftain - Carrington, ND

The big chief who towers over the Chieftain Conference Center in Carrington is well-known throughout North Dakota.  It's quite common to see tourists stopping to take pictures of this colorful giant.  In these photos I tried to get some different angles of the chief, so you can truly appreciate his magnificence.  Be sure to click on the picture so you can see all the different aspects.

Golf for Kids at CrossRoads Golf Course

On May 13, 2013, the Kiwanis and Lions Clubs hit the CrossRoads Golf Course greens with Carrington kids who wanted to learn how to golf. This is a great yearly event which introduces the game of golf to young people - some who will incorporate it into their lives for a lifetime.   It was fun seeing so many kids excited about golf, as well as seeing so many adults having a great time with them.  Here's a BIG round of applause for the Kiwanis and Lions Clubs!!

Carrington, ND Water Tower

Our Carrington water tower is unique with its patriotic perspective.  I took these photos rather late in the day, so my camera picked up some unusual colors from the sun.  When I return from a trip, it's always nice to see the tower in the distance and know that I will be home soon.

Welcome to Our "Dog House!"

People in North Dakota normally take off their shoes when they come into your house. It's a sign of respect because they realize that the weather (snow/hail/rain) and their occupation (farmers, ranchers, hard-working-out-door people) know their shoes can be pretty messy. However, if they know you have inside dogs, and if you get to them soon enough at the door, they know they don't have to take off their shoes. Many of them take off shoes anyway, but then that's their choice to get dirty-dog-paw socks. :)

Some of my lady friends insist on taking off their shoes anyway, but they have figured out a solution to this "dirty-sock" problem. They carry an extra pair of socks or a soft pair of house slippers in their purses.  Off go their shoes, and on go their slippers!  North Dakota ingenuity at work!!

Note: Click on the above title for more pictures.

Duck Fest at Bowdon - 2012

     Click on the link belowto see photos which were taken at the Duck Fest event in Bowdon, North Dakota on Saturday, October 13, 2012.  Most of the pictures are of the art display in the old Bowdon Elementary School cafeteria.  Sad to say, I didn't have time to go to their other ongoing events.  There were many interesting/fun activities, including: archery and trap shoots, antique farm equipment on display, a Mr. Duck Fest competition, kid's games, a carnival, a pie auction, a German supper/steak night/chili cook-off, and more...  The Bowdon community should be highly complimented for putting together this entertaining event!  I'm looking forward to spending more time there next year!

https://picasaweb.google.com/107952813975214210537/DuckFestAtBowdon2012?noredirect=1#

ND Steam Threshers 54th Anniversary Reunion

     This the 54th Annual Central North Dakota Steam Threshers Reunion! Take a ride out to the New Rockford Fairgrounds (Friday, Saturday or Sunday) and enjoy another year of fun activities!

     Of course, you don't want to miss getting a look at The Tractor Ride which leaves New Rockford at 9 a.m. making their way to Carrington on Thursday, September 20th.

     At the fairgrounds there will be a Daily Parade of Engines at 2 p.m. - one of the largest displays of engines in the Midwest.

     A special feature this year is the celebration of John Deere's 175th anniversary with over 175 pieces of historical JD equipment.

     The New Rockford Fairgrounds will be teeming with fun events for the whole family: wood carving, wood sawing, threshing, steam plowing, horse plowing, model train display, bingo, and lots more activities to choose from!

     As for musical entertainment, on Friday evening there will be an old-time square dance, on Saturday the Radio Stars and on Sunday the Waddingtons.  On Saturday evening there will also be a talent show!

     As for food, the Eddy County 4-H Clubs will serve a roast beef dinner on Saturday and Sunday.  For breakfast, the Cook Car Threshers will be serving daily from 6 a.m. till 2 p.m.  And for those of you who enjoy snacking throughout the day, there will be a variety of food vendors with yummy goodies for your enjoyment.

     Hope to see you at this fantastic steam threshers event!

JunkFest Day in Carrington, North Dakota

Carrington's popular JunkFest has now turned into junk festivities - all around town!  People came from all over the state to see what treasures they could find waiting for them in Carrington!

 

As usual, Junk-n-Java drew lots of people to see their nicely restored treasures.  People shopped and visited in a comfortable, cozy atmosphere.  Provided with coffee, cookies, uniquely beautiful creations, and friends to chat with, it was hard to leave!

 

 

 

 

 



Off to the Carrington Armory for arts, crafts and vendors with interesting hobbies and skills!  There was plenty of room to wander around, check out all the goods, and visit with the vendors.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to Cassie Smith, Missy Hafner, and Lynette Caylor (the JunkFest ladies) another super fantastic JunkFest took place at the Foster County Fairgrounds.  It is absolutely due to these talented ladies that so many people trek to Carrington for this special event!

 

 

 

 

 

All in all, it was quite a day for people who love to find treasures among what some consider junk.  We're definitely looking forward to next year, and judging from the past, JunkFest Day in Carrington will be an even bigger and better event!!