Scoping It Out

Thursday evening proved to be an exciting time in Williston as on that night Virgil Syverson directed the Williston City Band for the last time.

Well, then again, super stars have been known to come out of retirement.

You see, Virgil, at the age of 92 decided it was time to turn the responsibilities over to a younger individual.

That comes after having guided the City Band for 42 years.

Add to that some 39 years directing the Williston High School Band, but even more impressive is the fact he guided the Williston Drum & Bugle Corps for 54 years.

Throughout this impressive run he kept things in line and never skipped a beat.

Virgil came to Williston in 1947 and made this community his home.

Looking back on his stellar career his resume includes a Bronze Star earned in World War II for service to his country.

Virgil was involved in D7, landing on the beaches of Normandy.

We salute him for his years of service to his country and Williston.

TEDDY TREK WINNERS TO PERFORM PRE-SHOW

Hey folks, if you’re looking for a fun road trip you might want to jump on board the Day Trek to Medora set for Aug. 9.

On that day the good folks at American State Bank & Trust Company host a chartered bus trip to Medora where you will be able to enjoy a number of activities.

Among them will be taking in the 4 M Revue with Mylo Hatzenbuhler and Bill Sorensen on stage.

Leading up to the Medora Musical you will be able to enjoy the pitchfork fondue.

Prior to the musical you will be able to enjoy the two acts that won the recent Teddy Talent Trek.

This has been going on for a number of years and is always a treat.

Once the musical is complete it’s back on the bus for a safe journey home, without the driving.

Call 774-4100 for more information.

CHOKECHERRY FESTIVAL AROUND THE CORNER

You can also mark down the weekend of Aug. 14-15 for the 3rd annual Williston Chokecherry Festival.

Plans call this year for Saskatchewan Express to venture here and headline the two-day event.

Watch for details.

With the Buffalo Trails Day in Epping and upcoming events in Crosby and Fairview, Mont., we can tell you small town America still thrives.

We had the pleasure of taking in the 43rd annual Buffalo Trails Day in Epping and it is always a treat.

Now we turn your attention to the annual Threshing Bee to the north in Crosby, while our neighbors to the west in Fairview are having the Old-timers reunion.

This spells a lot of fun as friends and family get together each year.

The spirit of these small town events is something special and can only be appreciated by those who have lived the good life.

We encourage you to get out and get a feel of the action.

LABOR DAY IN MEDORA TO HONOR WADE WESTIN

A special musical event is being planned for the big stage in Medora to honor the late Wade Westin.

We considered Wade a great friend and we encourage you to take part in this event.

Watch for further details.

SASKATCHEWAN EXPRESS IN WILLISTON AUG. 14-15

If you’re looking for some great entertainment mark down Aug. 14-15 on your calendar.

On those dates Saskatchewan Express will be on stage at the Virgil Syverson Performance Center.

This will be a part of the 3rd annual Williston Chokecherry Festival.

Watch for more details.

Now that we have entered the month of July it won’t be long before our thoughts turn to back to school and football.

After some 2,000 hot dogs were consumed in Harmon Park on the 4th of July, along with some ice cream and apple pie, folks sat back and enjoyed some great entertainment.

The Four Ever Faithful group got things rolling, followed by the Williston City Band under the direction of Virgil Syverson.

Then came the great voice of Vernon Skari, a world-class vocalist who hails from Arenegard.

Eldon Johnson, a Williston native, closed out the day as he was accompanied by Wayne Colebank.

After a fierce storm on Friday evening that put a damper on the street dance and saw the racing and fireworks washed out folks were a little worried about weather conditions.

Not to fear, as Mother Nature was kind and it was truly a great day to enjoy the birthday of our country.

Now we can look ahead to some great activities, while knowing the Williston Chokecherry Festival is set for Aug. 14-15.

This year you will be able to enjoy a great group with Saskatchewan Express on tap.

Watch for details.