On Thursday, May 14, Bismarck will become 143 years old! There will be a party, and you are invited. The fun starts at 6:30 P.M. at the North Dakota Heritage Center on the State Capital Grounds, West Entrance Event Center. Come out and help celebrate Bismarck’s 143rd year and sample a bit of Bismarck’s multiple cultural heritage.
For the fourth consecutive year, the Bismarck Historical Society and the State Historical Society of North Dakota have arranged a public gathering to celebrate the founding of our favorite city. As in the past, the celebration will be informal in style, without a lot of introductions or speeches or other ceremonial trappings. Instead, it will be a “come-as-you-are-sit-back-relax-and-enjoy” kind of event. Greet old friends, meet new ones, have a birthday cupcake, and enjoy the evening.
The theme of this year’s annual event is “One Community; Many Voices,” recognizing and enjoying the culturally diverse community Bismarck has become. There will be culturally inspired entertainment as well as visitation booths, provided by many of the ethnic and cultural groups who call Bismarck home. There will be singing, dancing, instrumental presentations; maybe a few vendors and folks who just want to get acquainted. And, of course, the 2015 edition of the Bismarck Founders Day commemorative button will be available.