Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
This tribute to the McHenry Railroad Loop in Memorial Park, created by Rusty Terrow of Binford, is evocative of the Foster County community's history as a train depot and the end of the line on their branch of the Northern Pacific Railroad. McHenry will have their 125th Celebration June 28-30.
BY ERIK GJOVIK
For some great old-fashioned fun, games and memories, "blaze" a trail over to McHenry for three days of events celebrating a century-and-a-quarter of existence at the 125th Celebration June 28-30.
From its start in 1899, the northeastern Foster County town proved its value as the terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad's branch starting at Sanborn, and was named in honor of the railway's chief civil engineer, E.H. McHenry.
At one time, McHenry the town had seven grain elevators, and for many years, its main attraction was the Railroad Loop on the northern edge of town.
For many years, it was believed that the loop was the only one of its kind in the nation. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 and operated as a tourist attraction even after the rail line running east of town to Binford and south to Cooperstown and Hannaford was abandoned back in 1981. While the loop no longer is open, the historical train station building remains.
The 2020 census counts 64 people as residents of McHenry. Many of them will be on hand to join in the festivities.
Come join the party!
Starting on Friday, June 28, local cowboys and ranch hands will bring their horses to the ring for the Ranch Rodeo, starting at 6 p.m. at the rodeo grounds 1/2 mile north of McHenry. Entry fees are $400 per team, with cash payout for each event.
Entrants may contact Brody Hoyt at (701) 270-1916. Bring your chair, and sit in for some exciting ranch hand action!
Saturday, June 29's agenda will feature the All-School Reunion, which will be held all day. Registration will be at the Senior Center.
Bright and early at 8 a.m., the 5K Fun Run will be held, with registration beginning at 7:30.
The Parade will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the Cornhole Tournament at 1 p.m. Also at that time, Jimmy Stage will be at Memorial Park to reminisce about McHenry's history.
At 3 p.m., there will be musical entertainment provided by Don Lowe at Memorial Park and a Free Will Donation Supper from 4-6 p.m.
Moonlight Music will conclude Saturday's busy schedule starting at 8 p.m.
On Sunday, June 30, an All-Denomination Church Service will be held at Memorial Park at 9 a.m., weather permitting. Should the skies not cooperate, the service will be moved to Our Savior's Lutheran Church at 230 Wilsey St.
From 10 a.m.-12 noon, a pancake breakfast will be sponsored by Carl Bostrom American Legion Post 160 at the Fire Hall. At noon, there will be a Memorial Service at the Veterans Memorial.
A scavenger hunt is planned for Main Street (Johnston St.), along with games for kids and adults all day long.
Visit the "McHenry, North Dakota's 125th Celebration" Facebook page for the latest event updates.
See you in McHenry!
