February snow brings March mud...

It's back!

The time has come again for the North Dakota Winter Show in Valley City, ND and with that comes many, many activities for the community to be involved in. Not only the community, but the NDWS brings in people from all over. Something new and fun added to the line-up of activities this year is a Family Fun Zone that will be located in the South Exhibit Building. Some of these events include a NASCAR simulator, Black Hills Raptor show and a chance at $10,000 by hitting a Hole-In-One with the golf simulator.

All these events happening starting Tuesday, March 5th after Monday kick-off events including a chili cook-off and Community Olympics, which are a favorite amongst Show-goers. Of course, there are too many items to list, but all time favorites include: tractor and truck pulls, rodeo and the Party in the Dirt concert which will be held on March 8th. A full schedule can be found all around town in form of a pamphlet or on their website. You can also check it out on the Farm and Ranch Guide website along with an article about the country music that comes with the Wintershow.  In a personal opinion, the two rodeos held on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon, along with the concerts are the main attractions for the whole event as they bring in people from all around. However, that's not what makes the Wintershow such a great thing. For many, as was pointed out during last year's 75th Anniversary, the Wintershow is about the memories we had as children growing up and experiencing it for the first time and now being able to enjoy it as an adult and maybe even take your own children for the first time.

This may be a small town, but every year we have one major thing to look forward to. Spending time with friends and family; maybe even making some new friends along the way. It gives the community some long hoped for fun, even if that means we finally get the nice weather we've hoped for making it impossible not to walk through 6 inches of mud on your way to the front door. It's all part of the experience and I'm glad to say--and could possibly speak for many others--I'm glad I live here and get to partake in this moment once per year.

Here's to 76 years of NDWS...may they continue for more years to come.