Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883

Gobble up some fun at the 59th Annual Aneta Turkey BBQ & Summer Festival

All are invited to join the residents of Aneta, N.D., for their annual turkey barbecue and summer festival June 14 - 16. The event, now in its 59th year, is held in the beautiful city park and throughout the town. Thousands of folks show up every year, and it has become a highlight of summer.

The main event is the turkey barbecue, which is set for Saturday, June 15, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the park. There are six lines and they certainly keep folks moving! Preparations are underway for 312 turkeys, 1,000 lbs. of potato salad, 900 pounds of beans, 100 pounds of chips and more! Guests can also enjoy live music by Chuck Gust while eating.

Other events are slated for Saturday, June 15, and begin with a pancake breakfast at Sundahl Church from 7:30 to 10 a.m. Then, there are games for kids 12 and under at the Aneta Orchard at 10 a.m. There's also a classic car display on Main Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Also on Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., there's an old-time tractor pull sponsored by Stump Lake Tractor Club near the elevators. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Aneta Auditorium.

Saturday includes the annual crafts and vendors show at the Aneta Pavilion and City Park, 12 noon to 8 p.m. There's a kids' cake walk at 1 p.m. at the Fire Hall, followed by the big parade at 3 p.m. along Main Street. There are inflatable games at the park starting at 4 p.m. and, of course, the turkey barbecue from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The activities end with a street dance to 8th Hour sponsored by the White Tail Bar, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The Aneta Café is also open both days, 7 a.m. to closing.

The weekend, however, starts with activities Friday, June 14. There's Rhubarb Recipe tasting from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Aneta Orchard. Then, there's the Rib Buffet from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at White Tail's Beer Garden. Next, it's time for Bob Balyeats "Cowboy Band" at the Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. Closing out Friday's events is "Open Mike Karaoke" at the White Tail from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

On Sunday, June 16, there's the annual All Faith Service at the Aneta City Park, 10 a.m. The festival is sponsored by the Aneta Booster Club. Come be a part of something BIG!