Keeping Our Communities Merry & Bright

As an active member of the communities we serve, RTC Networks is highlighting how local chambers are preparing for the cold by bringing their communities together.

It’s time to put away the bikes and the boats and make room for the snowblowers, for winter has officially arrived in RTC Networks territory. As fall wanes and temperatures drop, we find ourselves drawn to warmth wherever we can find it: in a mug of hot cocoa, under a hand-stitched quilt, around a roaring fire. 

The outdoor air may sting, but in tight-knit communities like ours, the warmth of friends and family is never hard to find. We reached out to our local Chambers to see what they have in store for the final weeks of 2022. 

Here are just a few of the ways our communities are warming hearts and bringing people together as 2022 draws to a close. None of these events would have been possible if not for the wonderful volunteers and community members who put them together. Thank you to everyone who works so hard to make our communities home!

Kenmare, ND

Kenmare, ND hosted a Turkey Bingo evening, where Brenna Stoklund and family raised funds for her Team America trip. We hope you have a safe and successful trip, Brenna!

If turkey wasn’t someone’s pot of joy, the Chili Cook-Off was also held back in October. Hopefully the judges didn’t have their taste buds burned off as they tested every chili to determine a winner!

Last but not least, Kenmare had its Goose Fest. As the Snow Goose Capital of North Dakota, Kenmare made sure to give a warm ND welcome to the hunters who joined them for the eight-day festival.

Checkout their facebook page!

 

New Town, ND

New Town lit up the cold winter Main Street with their annual parade of lights. Floats drove slowly by, entertaining children and adults alike. 

Early December saw New Town’s Annual Walk-a-Bout New Town, where citizens could explore the local businesses – and sample a few treats along the way. 

If walking from business to business in early December in North Dakota proved too cold, patrons could head to the New Town Civic Center for the annual craft fair, featuring local artisans, crafters, and bakers.

Checkout their facebook page!

 

Watford City, ND

Out west in Watford City, local 4-H’ers provided soup and sandwiches for the competitors at Turkey Bingo. For those who wanted a side of culture with their turkey, the Watford City Area Concert Series presented a concert with pianist David Osborne. When Osborne isn’t playing at the Bellagio in Las Vegas or performing for presidents, he’s touring around the world, introducing audiences to music from Chopin to Joplin and beyond. 

For those who need a little more crafting in their lives, Miss Morgan held another Hanging Pumpkin Sip n’ Paint. Folks were eager to grab a glass of vino and a paintbrush to create a piece of wall art they can use year after year.

Checkout their facebook page!

 

Garrison, ND

Folks in Garrison were able to get hooked on the fish at the Garrison Fire Department Fish Fry back in November. Not only was there walleye aplenty, but guests were even served garlic toast, corn, and parsley potatoes. Yum!

Halloween saw a variety of events in Garrison, ranging from hiking to trick-o’-treating. Folks who love the good ol’ outdoors were able to partake in an evening hike at Fort Stevenson State Park. If the trails at night were too spooky for younger kiddos, they could trick-o’-treat with a variety of events ranging from Medow’s Assisted Living to the Annual Community Trunk or Treat at St. Paul Lutheran Church.

As the official Christmas capital of North Dakota, Garrison sees its Dickens Village Festival geared up for as many patrons as it can handle. The festival hosts so many events ranging from a staged one-act version of Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” to feasts to a quilt show. There’s even a chance to ride the famous Queen Elizabus – a bright red and yellow 1960s English double decker bus. There’s even a  London style telephone booth to complete the old-world metropolitan look. Finally, hop aboard one of the carriage rides and be carried away in a flurry of hooves and bells! 

Checkout their facebook page!

 

Stanley, ND

Stanley had a busy day in late November, kicking off with the Indoor Craft Show. Patrons could warm up from the cold with homemade soups, sandwiches, and baked goodies provided by Mountrail Eagles 4-H Club.

Immediately following the Indoor Craft Show came the Parade of Lights, the official start of the holiday season in Stanley.

Checkout their facebook page!

Beach, ND

Back in October, Beach hosted another successful Business After Hours event. Speakers Andrea Bowman and Matthew Ellerkamp spoke on remote work benefits and small business starts and succession, respectively.

The annual Tree Lighting in Gazebo Park kicked off the first week of December in Beach, providing a break from all that holiday planning and present wrapping. The Golden Valley County Fair Community Christmas Party followed on December 9th, complete with vendors, a chili and wreath contest, and much more!

Checkout their facebook page!

 

Parshall, ND

Parshall’s city app launched in mid-October. Now locals can easily access the community calendar, list sales, and add job listings. We’re excited to see the community embracing technology in such a way!

Parshall also had its Community Fall Vendor Showcase in November. The showcase took place at the local high school and baked goodies were available from local churches.

Before the snow fell, Parshall was able to celebrate its annual Harvestfest. Events and attractions included a car show, bouncy house, and a rock wall. 

Checkout their facebook page!

 

Medora, ND

Medora held their Annual Hunters’ Feed on November 5th. Drawing in hunters and their families, the Hunters Feed offered up a warm meal and good company to help prepare for the day ahead. The next morning, the hunters headed off. That same day, family members who prefer to hunt their prey with credit cards stayed in town to participate in Medora’s Sip n’ Shop. 

A popular vacation destination any time of year, Medora recently made national news with Yahoo.com’s “6 Coziest Small Towns in the US.” No one was surprised, of course. We’re happy to hear about Medora’s latest recognition and excited to see the new faces that may come round now that the word is out. 

Last but not least, the 26th annual Old Fashioned Cowboy Christmas celebration kicked off the first December weekend. The celebration featured a wreath-placing ceremony at the Historic Medora Cemetery to honor our veterans, a dance with live music by Sawdust, and the ever-popular “Outhouse Races” with contestants competing for the famed Golden Plunger.

Checkout their facebook page!

 

While RTC Networks connects our communities to the internet, our chambers are working hard to connect you to one another. We are proud to uplift the many people who make these places home. Consider following them on Facebook to learn about exciting events and updates in your neighboring communities!