Prairie rose state games 2011

Since then, the games, featuring a wide variety of sporting events for all ages, have moved among Bismarck-Mandan, Minot, Fargo and Grand Forks. Games held in Bismarck-Mandan typically have attracted the most participants, King said. He said some of those first years drew 6, participants, and "tremendous crowds" showed up for opening ceremonies. But over the years, things changed. Back then, the Prairie Rose State Games was a big competition.

Youth traveling teams for basketball, soccer and other sports often travel throughout the region or country now, while back then "Prairie Rose was the big deal. Some parents have told Zimmerman they don't think the competition at the state games is as good as the regional tournaments, so they choose those over Prairie Rose. Other forms of recreation also might have overshadowed the Prairie Rose State Games.

When the state games began, there weren't as many people out on the river in the summer, Zimmerman said. Barclay Kruse, president of the National Congress of State Games and director of Minnesota's Star of the North, said 31 other states hold state games annually, and many of them are approaching "middle age" for an event, having started in the s or s.

Keeping events from going stale is a constant challenge, he said. The Prairie Rose State Games has not been a member of the national group for about four years, Kruse said. He said the strength of state games events nationwide has been a "mixed bag" in recent years. Participation has been up for many events, possibly due to the affordability of participating; but the same economic factors that may have fueled people to get involved in the inexpensive local competitions also have limited sponsorships, Kruse said.

New York's Empire State Games, the first state game in the nation, was fully state funded and was eliminated in budget cuts, though it has been partially revived by other entities. All other state games events are at least partially funded by sponsorships rather than entirely by states, Kruse said.

North Dakota Parks and Recreation used to have a small staff dedicated to the Prairie Rose State Games, but the plan always was to turn the event over to local partners. Bismarck Parks and Recreation put on last year's event and will host this year's. I think originally we did get some state money, but that ran out.

It's a big undertaking. It takes a lot of hard work and a lot of money raised to put on a good games. While the Prairie Rose Games may go by the wayside after this year, Zimmerman hopes state games of some sort will stay alive, perhaps by another name or format.

King said it's possible that individual cities may want to put it on in some form. Bismarck seems the likeliest candidate, with the long history of strong events. It translates to July 8 — 10, , the dates of the 25th anniversary — and final — Prairie Rose State Games.

The Games come home to their birthplace, Bismarck-Mandan, for their final bow. The weekend will open with tradition and flair with the Opening Ceremony, Parade of Athletes and the lighting of the torch at the Bismarck Community Bowl on Friday evening, followed by a weekend of fast and furious family activity. There are a total of 45 sports at the Games this year, including five new events. One new event that will draw some interest is a three-on-three Hoop It Up basketball tournament.

Other new sports for include adult co-ed kickball, off road duathlon, family fishing and remote control car racing. Front Ave. There are 6 fishing jetties to aid in shoreline access and two fish cleaning stations located on the lake for anglers' convenience. In addition there are two open picnic shelters which can be reserved in advance. Both shelters have electricity with water and restrooms nearby, and are the perfect place for your next family reunion, birthday party or other event.

Camping Camping at Prairie Rose, whether for a weekend or a family vacation, is delightful. The park boasts two campgrounds with sites that can be reserved in advance. The east campground has electric and full hook-up electric, water, sewer campsites, modern restrooms and showers and sanitary dump station.

The west campground is popular for tenters and has non-electric and electric campsites and non-modern restroom facilities. The east campground also has a basketball court, horseshoe pits and playground. Cabins Two camping cabins offer another overnight option for park visitors. There are water hydrants and a pit latrine adjacent to the cabins and a fishing jetty. Each cabin accommodates 5 people, with a maximum of 7, and can be reserved in advance.

Nearby Attractions. Each June the town of Walnut hosts an antique festival that draws people from around the country. There are stock car races every Saturday night at the Shelby County Speedway.

Activities and Amenities. Within Facility. Within 10 Miles. GPS Info.