Longest Chicken Dance - Mandan Parade sets world record
Friday, July 23, 2010
Source: worldrecordsacademy.org
MANDAN, ND, USA -- The Chicken Dance organized during the Mandan Independence Day Parade and Street Festival covered 24 city blocks and was 1.627 miles long - setting the new world record for the Longest Chicken Dance.
The idea was born at the 2009 Mandan Independence Day Parade and Street festival. The event, which has roots back to 1881, features a variety of entertainment on stages before the parade begins.
One of the stages in 2009 featured WKRP, a local DJ service. When they played the Chicken Dance, people lined up for over 2 blocks. Ron Kruckenberg of WKRP brought this up parade organizors and the idea was born.
Implementation proved to be a challenge as music had to be heard along the entire length as well as informing the public. Traffic control was also a challange as the busiest street in Mandan had to be closed to host the event.
By 11:15 a.m., people lined the entire route. In some areas, multiple lines were formed to accomodate the overflow crowd. Radios along the route tuned to Cool 98.7 to listen to Dean Mastel and Bob Beck countdown.
At 11:30 a.m., Lawrence Welk's version of the Chicken Dance played and many thousands of people could be seen standing in a line dancing and clapping.
Nick Ressler of Mandan, one of the event organizers, stated that the line was 1.627 miles long as measured on Google maps.
There were over 130 groups participating in the Mandan parade, and with so many people there to watch, a world record have been set for the world's longest chicken dance, which stretched for the length of the parade route.
The Longest Chicken Dance in The World was an overwhelming success, stated Marlo Anderson, Mandan Parade co-chairperson.
" Everyone was amazed at the turnout. We had people who traveled from Washington, Missourri, Kansas, Utah, Colorado and other states just to be involved in the event."
" A core group of people worked an making the event possible. Dennis Friesz, Lisa Smestad, Del Wetch, Tara Wangler, Don Taghan, Ann Jenks, Alice Anderson and many other volunteers were involved. Particiapnts donated non-parishable items or cash to Ruth Meiers Hospitaility House."
Corral Sales wins best in show at Mandan Parade
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Source: Mandan News
The 2010 Mandan Independence Day Parade and Street Festival award committee announced the winners in the parade competition. A total of 142 entries were eligible to participate in five categories. An awards presentation was held on Tuesday, July 13, at the bandshell in Dykshoorn Park.
Here are the five winners in each of the categories:
Most Unusual – Twin City Implement;
Historical – Preszler Farm;
Most Creative – Hair For You Salon;
Theme – St. Alexius;
Best in Show – Corral Sales.
The 2010 theme for the parade was Groovin’ Back to the ’70s. The event also featured the World’s Longest Chicken Dance, a Classic Car Parade and a Street Festival.
Independence Day Parade in Mandan
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Source: Allison Hesford KFYRTV.com | video
Main Street and the Strip in Mandan were lined with people Sunday at the annual Independence Day parade.
The parade was led by the Mandan High School marching band, followed by the fire department, and Mandan Rodeo representatives.
Plenty of kids waited eagerly on the sidelines, ready for some candy, which seemed to be their favorite part of the parade.
The Mandan Parade has been going on for many years now and even brings people back to the community to take part in the festivities.
"I`m from Mandan, but I live in Fargo and I come back every year for the Fourth," said Mandy Herberholz, a Fargo Resident.
The theme for this year`s parade was "Groovin` Back to the `70s," and featured a classic car procession.
Meet the Grand Marshals
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Source: Kristin Clouston KFYRTV.com | video
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Wally and Eileen Joersz said they had to think about it when the parade committee first asked them to lead the Mandan Parade.
"You kinda think, well maybe we`re not worthy of being the Grand Marshals, but I think it`s kind of a nice honor," said Eileen.
Especially since choosing the right person or persons takes months.
"It`s a very big deal to pick an individual or two individuals. You really have to look back on what Mandan`s about and the people that have been involved in Mandan for many, many years," said Bryen Birkholz, of the Mandan Parade Committee.
People in Mandan know the Joersz family.
They owned Super Valu and Marv`s Hardware. Wally was a founder of the Mandan Booster Bunch and helped establish Prairie West Golf Course.
"Well, it`s a well known name in the community and they have sponsored so much for Mandan. Their family has sponsored so much and they have had great kids in the community that have done well so when you think of the Joersz` you just think of Mandan," said Bryen.
Over the years, Wally and Eileen have dedicated a lot of time to the independence day celebration.
"I used to be a JC and chairman of the rodeo for two years. I was president of the JC`s four years so we went through the whole rodeo thing," said Wally.
The couple says it was fun, but keeping up the old rodeo grounds was also plenty of work.
"That was something else. We spent more time fixing it up so it was safe!" said Wally.
But this year, they get the easy job.
"Well I think just to show up would be the main thing and have a great time," said Bryen.
"And they said they`d come and get us so that`s kind of nice!" said Wally.
In the end, The Joersz`s say they`re glad to do it.
"It`s the people, the people are so good. I don`t know of any other community where the people are that friendly and close," said Wally.
Chicken Dancers Attempt to Break Record
Saturday, July 3, 2030
Source: Kristin Clouston KFYR-TV.com | video
Mandan is already known for having the longest parade route in North Dakota and this year they`re adding to their reputation with something new.
That`s right, the city of Mandan is trying to set a world record for the longest chicken dance.
"It`s gotta be what? Two to three miles? And then if you go out on the strip we can line people up clear to Bismarck if we have to!" said Nick Ressler, the chicken dance organizer.
People have been practicing... getting ready for the big day, girl scouts, those who work along main street, even the grand marshals of the 4th of July parade.
"It`s really fun because some people just go whacko with it, because they know it a lot and it`s just funny," said Maddie Vega.
Everyone who works at Hardee`s on Mandan`s Main street is scheduled on the 4th of July, but some employees are hoping to take a quick break so they can join in the fun.
"It would probably be a relief, it gets a little stressful sometimes, but that will probably make it a lot more fun," said Tiffany Otto.
Here`s how it`s going to work.
"At 11:30 on Cool Channel, we`re going to have everybody tune their car stereos and radios to that channel and we`re going to have boom boxes at the stages with mics and so it`s going to be synced," said Nick.
And while doing the chicken dance is a good time, they`re serious about getting into the Guiness Book of World Records.
"They sent all the regulations and the rules and if we follow those and submit it we can get into the record," said Nick.
And it`s something kids can tell their grandchildren about.
Maddie: "It feels pretty good because North Dakota`s not known for many things, but it`s good to do something funny."
Just make sure you get there early so you have plenty of room to shake your tail feathers.
Lifelong residents to lead Mandan Parade
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Source: Mandan-News.com
As the month of July quickly approaches, an annual event that started in 1881 is starting to take shape, the Mandan Independence Day Parade. One part of planning this event is picking a Grand Marshal to lead the parade. The parade committee has announced that lifelong Mandan residents Wally and Eileen Joersz have been named the 2010 Grand Marshals.
“We are honored that Wally and Eileen have agreed to accept this honor,” says committee member Dennis Friesz. “Mandan is a better place because of these two individuals.”
“The process of choosing a Grand Marshal is not an easy one,” says parade committee member Marlo Anderson. “The process takes a few months as the committee makes nominations, votes and then contacts the nominee.”
Wally’s belief in his community and himself has helped him to achieve the success he has experienced as a leader in the Mandan- Bismarck area. After graduating from Mandan High School in 1951 he married Eileen Hunke in 1953. They are the parents of seven sons. They are also the grandparents to 20 children and great-grandparents of nine children. Wally and his brothers, Marvin and Bob, purchased the family business from their father in 1969, later acquiring Lockbeam Hardware, thus establishing Marv’s Hardware. They were partners in Williston County Market in Williston, which later became Econo Mart. Wally also established Randy’s Super Valu in New Salem, which was managed by his second son, Randy Joersz.
Wally was an active member of the Mandan Jaycees, instrumental in founding the Mandan Booster Bunch and serving as its first president. He worked to establish Prairie West Golf Course. Wally has also served on the Mandan Hospital Board, Medcenter One Board and the Mandan School Board for nine years, serving as chairman for five years. He has served on the Fort Abraham Lincoln Board, Mandan Chamber of Commerce and was actively involved in the merger of the Mandan- Bismarck Area Chamber of Commerce.
Wally, who has been in the grocery business all his life, has been very active in the North Dakota Growers Association for many years, serving many positions, as well as chairman. He was presented with the Good Government Award and Spirit of America Award by the National Grocers Association. Wally was presented with the North Dakota Community Leadership Award by the Greater North Dakota Association. He was only the second North Dakotan to be elected to the Board of Directors of the National Grocers Association, where he served for six years.
The Mandan Independence Day Parade, the largest parade in North Dakota, will start on the east end of The Strip on Sunday, July 4, at 12:30 p.m., arriving on Main Street at 1 p.m.
Bringing back the '70s on the Fourth
Source: Bismarck Tribune
June 19, 2010
Remember the 1970s? The clothes, the music, the hair?
If you’ve forgotten the bell bottoms, the headbands and the muttonchop sideburns, there’ll be a large group of marchers in Mandan’s Fourth of July parade to bring it all back.
Nearly a dozen local churches will gather for worship on the morning of the Fourth — since this year it’s on a Sunday — at the Mandan Soccer Complex just south of Memorial Highway, and then move on to march in Mandan’s traditional huge parade in full ’70s music mode, said the Rev. Randy Upgren, pastor at Charity Lutheran Church.
“Why not be a part of it? Be a presence there,” Upgren said.
Most of the churches and para-church groups taking part are those who have planned the annual worship called “The Gathering” in August at Sleepy Hollow Park in Bismarck, which organizers estimate drew about 1,000 people each year.
But this year, the park was unavailable because of theatrical commitments, so the group of pastors and lay ministers decided to move the event to the Fourth and to Mandan, said the Rev. Larry Jahnke, pastor at New Song Community Church in Bismarck.
Worship will begin at 9 a.m. and go until 10:15 a.m. About 300 members of the participating groups will move to the staging area at Dacotah Centennial Park and join the parade entries.
What they’re aiming for is the world’s largest line dance, said Bob Peske, music minister at Charity Lutheran. Pastors and ministers are teaching their members the steps, he said. Musicians from the churches also will be playing some ’70s classics, tweaking the lyrics to give them a faith point of view.
“Groovin’ to the ’70s” will be the theme of their performance. They’ll take on their own versions of songs such as “I’m a Believer” and “Eye of the Tiger,” with marchers in tie-dyed T-shirts singing along to “Staying in the Light” to the tune of “Staying Alive.”
The community is welcome to participate in the worship service. Those attending may bring blankets or lawn chairs and are asked to bring a nonperishable food item to be donated to Ruth Meiers Hospitality House in Bismarck, said Trinity Opp of Bismarck Baptist Church.
Bins will be available at the entrance to the soccer complex to leave the food items, he said.
Participating will be New Song, Legacy United Methodist Church, Charity Lutheran, Word of Faith, Bismarck Baptist, Cord of 3, Revival Prayer Fellowship, Church of Acts, Gateway Community Fellowship, Living Hope Nazarene and New Life Church.
The Rev. Kermit Culver of Legacy United Methodist Church will preach at the worship service; his topic is “Prodigal Freedom,” he said. Peske will lead the worship team.
Other leaders include Rich Wyatt of Living Hope Nazarene, Kari Bitz of Cord of 3 Ministries, Sam Saylor of Gateway Community Fellowship, Greg Runyon of the Church of Acts, Scott Bauman of Charity Lutheran and Duey Heid of Word of Faith.
To reach the Mandan Parks and Recreation Soccer Complex, go west on Memorial Highway and turn left at the Bill Barth auto dealership — Bill Barth has made its large open field available for parking, Jahnke said. Parking also will be available behind Midway Lanes, he said.
Volunteers Needed to help with Mandan Parade
June 7, 2010We need your help with North Dakota's Largest Parade! You can help with staging, traffic control, block monitors, the World's Largest Chicken Dance and much more. Make it a family event as we can designate a block or two that your family can work together. All volunteers get a parade shirt and can attend our fabulous Parade Picnic after the event.
2010 Parade goes in new direction
January 20, 2010The Mandan Independence Day Parade and Street Festival Committee has voted to move away from the standard western themed event. The 2010 theme is "Groovin' Back to the Seventies. Event Co-Chairperson Dennis Freisz stated that he looks forward to seeing floats decorated to match the theme. In addition, we should see some interesting apparal, states Friesz.
Parade participants are encouraged to decorate their entries based on the theme. As well, the Street Festival will compliment the theme by having several musical groups playing music from the 70's.
Co-Chairperson Marlo Anderson also noted that the event will have different start times due to the event being on Sunday. The streets will close around 11 a.m. on July 4th and the Street Festival will start as soon as Main Street is cleared. A classic Car Parade will start at noon on the strip and the Main Parade will start at 12:30 p.m., arriving on Main street at 1:00 p.m.
Mandan Parade Award Winners
July 14, 2009The award winners of the 2009 Mandan Independence Day Parade have been determine by the parade award committee. Judging takes place in four unique categories: Most Creative, Most Unusual, Historical and Parade Theme. The judges then decide on the overall winner. A traveling trophy for the overall winner call "The Northern" will be awarded for the first time this year.
The following are the category winners:
Historical: Fort Lincoln Trolley - 1926 Antique Fire Truck
Most Creative: Don Ressler's Auto Glass & American Family Insurance Dee Heinz Agency - Santa's Sleigh
Parade Theme: Corral Sales - Follow the Old Red Trail Float
Most Unusual: Cash Wise Foods - Midwest's Largest Shopping Cart
The recipient of "The Northern" for Best Overall is: Don Ressler's Auto Glass & American Family Insurance Dee Heinz Agency - Santa's Sleigh
An awards presentation will be held at noon on July 15th at the Mandan Progress Organization office at 411 Main Street West, Mandan.
Former Governor and First Lady to Lead Mandan Independence Day Parade
As the month of July approaches, an annual event that started in 1881 starts to take shape, the Mandan Independence Day Parade.* *Part of the planning of the event is picking a Grand Marshal. “The process of choosing a Grand Marshal is not an easy one”, states parade committee member Marlo Anderson. “The process takes a few months as the committee makes nominations, votes and then contacts the nominee”.
This year the parade committee is proud to announce that former Governor Arthur Link and his wife Grace will lead the parade. Parade committee member Dennis Friesz states “I couldn't be more honored to see Governor Art and Grace Link lead the parade this year.”
Arthur Link became governor in 1972, and served two terms until 1981. He was well liked and well respected as a governor. People found common ground with him, some considered him a social conservative who was deeply religious and willing to stand for principle even when political wisdom dictated otherwise. When the western United States suffered a severe drought in the mid-1970s, Arthur called for a day of prayer and fasting, and by coincidence rain followed the next day.
Along with his wife Grace, Arthur has supported the Former Governors’ Mansion for over 30 years. In 1975 Governor Link signed legislation which preserved the Governors’ Mansion as a state historic site. Governor Link is an accomplished fiddle player and for many years played the fiddle at the Annual Lawn Party held each summer at the Former Governors’ Mansion. He has been a strong supporter of the North Dakota Heritage Center, and in 1985 he was appointed chairman of the Centennial Commission by Governor George Sinner.
Art and Grace reside in Bismarck. The 2008 movie “ When the Landscape is Quiet Again” was made of their lives. He is also a charter member of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.
The Mandan Independence Day parade is the largest parade in the state of North Dakota and will start July 4th at 9:30 a.m CT in Mandan. The Street Festival starts at 8:30 a.m. with a variety of music and other entertainment before the parade.
Mandan Independence Day Parade Trophies to be Awarded
June 29, 2009MANDAN – Participants in the Mandan Independence Day Parade will be eligible to win trophies in four categories in addition to Best in Show. The parade steps off at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 4.
A new large traveling trophy has been created by Marv Pedersen of Northern Trophy and will be awarded to the Best in Show. The trophy to be known as the “Northern Cup,” stands over four feet tall. A 4” X 6” plaque inside the trophy will be inscribed with the name of the individual or organization who wins Best in Show each year. When the next years’ winner is announced, the previous winner will keep the small plaque and the Northern Cup will go to the current winner.
Stars and other decorative designs tie the cup to the Independence Day holiday. Mr. Pederson, who is sponsoring the trophy to return something to the community of Mandan said, “It turned out really well and I’m really excited about it.”
Four smaller trophies will be awarded for: most creative, historical, most related to parade theme, and most unusual.