UPDATES:
Parade Sidelined in Consideration of Spectator Safety Staging and crowd control make safety measures too difficult to enforce May 21, 2020 (Mandan, ND) – Members of the Mandan Progress Organization (MPO) board of directors are down, but not out. At a meeting yesterday, the group voted to cancel the Independence Day Parade. This comes on the heels of an earlier announcement regarding the postponement of Buggies-N-Blues. “We’ve delayed one, dropped another and are now working hard to preserve two other events,” said retiring MPO Executive Director Del Wetsch. Referring to Buggies-N-Blues, the Independence Day Parade, Art in the Park and the Mandan Rodeo. The Independence Day Parade was sidelined after deliberation by the Parade committee and the MPO board. “The issues we couldn’t overcome included safely segregating people during the staging process at Dacotah Centennial Park and ensuring the spacing of spectators who sit along the route,” said incoming Director Dot Frank. The MPO continues to work with its events committees to make modifications to two other 4th of July events – the Mandan Rodeo and Art in the Park Festival. Those events present a better opportunity to accommodate social distancing and direct crowds. “At this point, we remain optimistic that the Rodeo and Art in the Park can continue,” said Wetsch. Parade registrants will receive a full refund of their entry fee. Information regarding MPO events is available online at www.MandanProgress.org, on Facebook and by contacting the MPO office at 751-2983.
MPO Fights to Save Summer Events Despite COVID-19
Touch a Truck Pivots and Buggies-N-Blues is Pushed Back
May 13, 2020 (Mandan, ND) – People from across the state are accustomed to gathering in downtown Mandan for summer events hosted by the Mandan Progress Organization (MPO). In response to COVID-19, the organization has had to make adjustments to their annual affairs.
“We are sad to see Touch a Truck cancelled; however, we are excited that this event isn’t over, just overhauled,” said Executive Director Dot Frank. The event, which typically features a variety of heavy and commercial equipment on Main Street, will now put those vehicles to print.
“Our committee met and will debut a coloring book,” said retiring Director Del Wetsch. “Each page will feature a photo that’s been turned into a coloring page, complete with a description and company details. Additionally, the book will have games and activities.”
Touch a Truck switched gears and Buggies-N-Blues is switching dates. “Car clubs were contacted and the consensus was to move the event into August,” shared Wetsch. “We’re still working out the details, but are hopeful that conditions will support the event in a traditional sense, where spectators can view the vehicles and vendors can sell and serve their goods,” Frank added.
Information regarding both events is available online at www.MandanProgress.org, on Facebook and by contacting the MPO office at 751-2983.
Introducing our NEW Community Calendar
https://mylocalevents.org/
2020 Event Dates
July 2-4 - Mandan Rodeo Days
August 14-15 - Buggies N Blues
September 26 - OktoberFest Mandan
Visitor Information Sign. Located at the juncture of east Main Street, Memorial Highway and Mandan Avenue. The purpose is to alert visitors and residents to community events. To submit an activity or event, send an e-mail to: kristinhaug@mandanprogress.org. If you have questions regarding types of activities eligible to be listed, download the usage policy.
Visit the Mandan Progress Organization at: 411 W Main Street.
