News Around Town

One of the most beloved Summerfest traditions is right around the corner! The Casselton Summerfest Parade rolls through town on Saturday, July 26 at 11 am, and now’s the time to start planning your entry. With more than 100 floats, walkers, and creative displays each year, it’s a can’t-miss event for both participants and spectators.

The parade route will follow the same general path as in previous years. Final route details will be shared on the Summerfest website closer to the event.

Want to Participate? Register Now!

All types of parade entries are welcome—whether you're a business, club, church group, performer, or local organization. Just keep in mind:

• Walkers are allowed and encouraged alongside your entry, but please hand out items (don’t throw them from vehicles).

• The parade route is about one mile, not including lineup areas.

• Parade registration is $20 per entry, which helps cover management costs.

• Honored Guests & Special Entries: If you're a government official, elected representative, or first responder group, please email casseltonsummerfest@gmail.com to coordinate your honorary parade entry.

Register for the 2025 Parade

Whether you're lining the streets to cheer or rolling through town on a float, the Summerfest Parade is a Casselton favorite you won’t want to miss. Get your spot early and be part of the tradition!

Mark your calendar now for a fun and festive Saturday evening during Casselton Summerfest! On July 26, head to Tinta Tawa Park starting at 6pm for a laid-back night filled with food, games, and time with friends and neighbors. The fun continues until dark and is one of the highlights of the weekend.

What to Expect

• Community Supper – Enjoy a tasty meal served by local community groups. It’s a great way to fill your plate while supporting great causes.
• Inflatable Games + Laser Tag – Kids and kids-at-heart can jump, play, and challenge each other in a fun, safe setting.
• Outdoor Movie (sponsor needed) – We’re hoping to show a family-friendly outdoor movie after dark, but we need a sponsor to make it happen.
• Fireworks Show – We're lighting up the  sky and ending the night with a bang.

Let’s Make It Happen!

Casselton Summerfest is all about creating spaces where our community can come together, connect, and celebrate. These evening events rely on sponsors to bring them to life.

• If you or your business is interested in sponsoring the outdoor movie or fireworks, we’d love to talk! Become a Sponsor
• Community groups interested in serving supper can also reach out by emailing casseltonsummerfest@gmail.com.

Come hungry, bring the kids, and stay for the fun. Summerfest Saturday night is where Casselton gathers!

Get ready to shop local, explore handmade goods, and enjoy a full day of fun at the Casselton Summerfest Vendor Show! This year’s outdoor show runs from 9am to 3pm on Saturday, July 26 at the soccer fields east of the pool (401 2nd St S). Vendor setup begins at 8am—no earlier, please!

Expanded Hours + Family Fun Nearby

With extended Vendor Show hours this year, it’s perfectly timed around the Summerfest Parade. Come before or after the parade and stay for a full day of activities. Nearby attractions include:

• Free inflatable games for kids

• Nickl Park playground

• Afternoon open swim at the pool

Food Court on Front Street

Hungry while you shop? Grab a bite from Food Court vendors on Front Street, between Langer and 6th Ave N. Whether you're craving something sweet or looking for a meal, there's something for everyone.

Vendor Registration Details

Vendor registration is open now! The show is outdoors, and canopies with weights are strongly recommended. Each booth space is approximately 12’ x 12’. No tables, tents, or electricity are provided.

• $50 per booth (up to 2 spaces allowed)

• Max 2 booths per vendor (select “Quantity 2” if needed)

• Include a short description of your items in the registration form

• Vendors may sell nearly anything that fits in the space

• Food truck vendors are also welcome

Register for the 2025 Summerfest Vendor Show

Register for the 2025 Summerfest Food Court (for food intended as meals)

A Few Reminders:

• Casselton Summerfest does not provide insurance or assume liability—vendors must carry their own.

• Any vendor misrepresenting their booth or failing to follow guidelines may be asked to leave.

• Summerfest reserves the right to deny vendor registrations.

Whether you’re a shopper or a seller, we can’t wait to see you at the 2025 Vendor Show! Stay tuned for updates on other Summerfest activities happening throughout the day.

Something new is hitting Casselton parks this summer—outdoor family movie nights! For the first time, the Casselton Park District is bringing the magic of the big screen to three local parks. It’s free, family-friendly fun, and a perfect way to enjoy a summer evening in town.

Summer 2024 Outdoor Movie Schedule

May 21 – Governors Park (8:40 PM)
Movie: Moana 2
Kick things off with Moana’s latest ocean adventure. Grab a seat on the grass and enjoy ice cream from Alex the Ice Cream Man. Don’t forget to check out food specials from Red Baron and Pizza Ranch before the show!

June 25 – Reservoir Hill (9:00 PM)
Movie: Lilo & Stitch
A sweet and silly story about friendship, family, and aliens. Bring your blanket and enjoy concessions available at the park.

July 23 – Readitech Field (9:00 PM)
Movie: The Rookie
Round out the series with this inspiring baseball favorite. Perfect for sports fans or anyone who loves a feel-good true story.

What to Bring

• A blanket or lawn chairs

• Your movie crew—family, friends, neighbors!

• Appetite for snacks and summer fun

Bonus Fun

• Ice cream sales at Governors Park

• Concessions available at the June & July movies

• Follow the Casselton Park District Facebook page for weather updates and event details

This is a brand-new series you won’t want to miss—let’s make outdoor movie night a new Casselton tradition!

Case Muscha has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Casselton Business Association $1,000 Scholarship. A senior at Central Cass High School, Case was chosen for his strong academic performance, leadership experience, and commitment to both work and community service.

At Central Cass, Case has been involved in a wide range of activities—from DECA and National Honor Society to band, jazz band, track and field, and Science Olympiad. As a DECA competitor, he qualified for Nationals with top finishes in Business Law and Personal Finance role plays. As lead alto sax in the jazz band, he’s also earned recognition as an Outstanding Soloist.

He earned the rank of Eagle Scout after leading a 150-hour project to repaint and improve the Absaraka ballpark concessions stand.

“Case has been a great leader within Casselton Boy Scouts Troop 241,” says Alex Richard, committee chair for Troop 241. “He exemplifies leading by example. Case led a team to refurbish some facilities at Horton Ford Baseball Field in Absaraka for his Eagle Scout project. He was awarded his Eagle Scout this past December, an honor only awarded to 6% of all Boy Scouts.”

In addition to his school and volunteer commitments, Case works at two local businesses that are members of the Casselton Business Association—Dairy Queen and Lone Oak Farm. He says that at Dairy Queen, he learned the value of teamwork during rush-hour ice cream orders. At Lone Oak, he’s gaining experience behind the scenes of large events—skills he believes will serve him well in business.

He balances those jobs with a full schedule of extracurriculars and community service, including volunteer work at Martin’s Lutheran Church and through local Scout-led efforts.

Case plans to attend North Dakota State University this fall to major in Business Administration and Global Business. After gaining work experience, he hopes to attend law school. He is the son of Tom and Jolene Muscha of Ayr.

Casselton Business Association, with a recent vote of the CBA Executive Board, endorses the upcoming sales tax vote, seeing it as an opportunity to invest in our community’s future without raising taxes. This measure ensures funding for key projects without placing the full burden on local businesses and residents.

What’s Changing?

The proposed Sales and Use Tax Ordinance would:

• Keep the 2% Sales and Sse tax currently in place (1% paid off the Wellness Center).
• Increase the maximum tax on a single transaction from $25 to $50.
• Dedicate 100% of the city’s 2% Sles and Use tax to roads, utilities, and public buildings, parks and recreation, job development through business retention, expansion, and recruitment, and property tax relief, including assistance with special assessments.

Potential Uses of City Sales Tax Funds

If approved, here are a few examples of how the sales tax revenue could be used:

• Park Development in Prairie Skies – Expanding recreational opportunities for all ages
• Downtown Renovation and Updates – Enhancing the heart of our community
• Expansion/Relocation of City Hall and Library – Providing more functional spaces for residents

Why the Business Community Supports This Measure

A strong local economy depends on smart investments in infrastructure, business growth, and community development. This measure provides long-term funding for essential projects without increasing the sales tax or placing the full burden on residents and businesses through property tax increases and special assessments.

Here’s why the Casselton Business Association supports a YES vote:

• No Sales Tax Increase – The rate remains the same and is similar to neighboring shopping districts
• Non-Residents Help Pay – Those who use city services also contribute
• Supports Downtown Growth – Less reliance on special assessments for needed updates
• Strengthens Our Local Economy – Investment in infrastructure benefits everyone.

The Ballot Language and Text of the Proposed Ordinance can be found on the city website at https://www.casselton.com/notifications.

By voting YES, Casselton is choosing progress, smart investment, and a stronger future—without additional tax burdens. Casselton Business Association encourages all residents to support this important measure!

Vote YES for a better Casselton!

Casselton is about to get a little more colorful! Casselton Public Art Task Force is hosting a one-of-a-kind Yarn Art Event at Midnight Solution Dog Park on Saturday, May 17, and you’re invited to join the fun!

Whether you’re a crochet queen, a fiber newbie, or just someone who loves a good community project, this event is for you. We’re transforming the park’s chain-link fence into a giant canvas of color, texture, and imagination—and we need your creative touch to make it happen.

Here’s how it works:

• Sign up solo or round up a team (no need to have all your teammates confirmed yet!)
• Claim your section of the fence
• Use the yarn provided (or bring your own stash!) to create a masterpiece—patterns, pictures, or wild abstract designs are all fair game
• Bring your own scissors and any tools you love using

No experience? No problem! This event is open to all ages and skill levels, and it’s all about having fun and connecting with others through creativity.

“Public art doesn’t have to be permanent or traditional—it can be fun, unexpected, and accessible to everyone,” says Char Gust, a member of the Public Art Task Force. “This event is about bringing people together, celebrating creativity, and making our public spaces more inviting and engaging.”

Yarn donations welcome! Got some leftover yarn collecting dust? We’ll happily take it off your hands and turn it into something beautiful.

Spots are limited, so sign up now and be part of this colorful Casselton moment: https://tinyurl.com/dogparkart

About the Casselton Public Art Task Force
We’re a group of volunteers who believe art should be everywhere—especially in the places you least expect it. From pop-up projects to murals and creative installations, we’re all about making Casselton brighter, bolder, and more inspiring. Let’s make art happen, together.

Giving Hearts Day is a powerful opportunity for the Casselton community to support local charities that make a difference every day. Founded in 2008, it is North Dakota and northwest Minnesota’s largest single day of giving, helping charities raise crucial funds to support their missions.

Over the years, generous donors have contributed more than $195 million, making a profound impact in communities across the region. This year, Giving Hearts Day falls on February 13, and it's a perfect opportunity to support Casselton’s local charities.

How Can You Help? On Giving Hearts Day, every donation—big or small—helps sustain vital services for our community. Whether it’s providing healthcare access, food assistance, educational support, or senior care, these local organizations rely on the generosity of donors like you.

Casselton Charities to Support on Giving Hearts Day Here are six Casselton-based organizations participating in Giving Hearts Day:

• Casselton Community Medical Foundation (Fargo, ND) – Supports health and access to healthcare services, with a special emphasis on the medical needs of the Casselton community and surrounding areas.

• Community of Care (Casselton, ND) – Works to improve the quality of life for older adults in rural Cass County, helping them stay in their homes as long as safely possible.

• Cass County Rural Community Emergency Food Pantry (Casselton, ND) – Provides emergency food assistance to individuals and families in rural Cass County, including backpack programs for local school districts.

• Central Cass Dollars for Scholars (Casselton, ND) – Encourages and supports post-secondary education for local students by mobilizing community resources and providing scholarships.

• Central Cass Treehouse (Casselton, ND) – A collaborative effort designed to support Central Cass students’ physical, mental, and social needs through community partnerships.

• Sinner Bresnahan Healthy Kids Initiative (Fargo, ND) – Supports health-related charitable programs with a focus on healthcare access, dentistry, and educating children about the benefits of a healthy diet and exercise.

Giving Hearts Day is our chance to come together and ensure these organizations continue their essential work. Mark your calendar for February 13 and consider making a donation to one (or more) of these great causes! Any gifts made from now until Giving Hearts Day will be automatically scheduled and matched, doubling the impact of your generosity.

To donate, visit www.givingheartsday.org on the day of the event and select the Casselton charities you'd like to support.

Together, we can make a lasting impact in our community. Let’s give with all our hearts!

Casselton’s downtown is about to get a major glow-up, and we need YOUR creative flair to make it happen! ✨ The Public Art Task Force is calling on artists of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels to submit their original artwork for an exciting new project: a Streetlight Banner Gallery along Langer Avenue and Front Street.

This is your chance to turn the streets of Casselton into a vibrant canvas, showcasing your talent to residents and visitors alike. Imagine your art in the heart of our community, sparking conversation, and making people smile as they walk through town. Pretty cool, right?

What’s the deal?

We’ll be creating at least 17 streetlight banners, each featuring a unique piece of art. And here’s the fun part: your creativity isn’t limited to just traditional paintings or drawings. Whether it’s a sculpture, a performance, a garden design, or any other form of personal expression, we want to see it! A professional photographer will capture your masterpiece, turning it into a stunning banner that credits YOU as the artist.

Who can apply?

If you have a connection to Casselton, this is for you! Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a budding young artist, or just someone with a creative spark, we’d love to see your work. Don’t overthink it—your unique perspective is exactly what we’re looking for.

How to join the fun:

1. Submit your artwork and a short artist statement to Adrienne Olson at econdev@casselton.org by March 3, 2025.
2. Tell us a bit about the concept behind your piece. If funding allows, we’re planning a brochure and online gallery to share more about each artwork and the artists behind them.
3. Cross your fingers! If more than 17 pieces are submitted, our Task Force (along with some community members) will choose a diverse mix of works to feature.

Selected artists will be notified by March 11, 2025, so mark your calendars!

Why should you participate?

Because this isn’t just about art—it’s about community. Your contribution will help shape Casselton’s identity, inspiring connection and pride among neighbors. Plus, it’s a pretty awesome way to share your work with a wide audience.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab those brushes, sketchpads, or whatever sparks your creativity, and let’s make Casselton shine.

Ready to learn more? Check out the full details here: Casselton Call for Art.pdf

We can’t wait to see what you create! ️

Need some inspiration?

The photos on this post showcase just a glimpse of the amazing art already happening in town. Casselton is full of talent! We hope these examples inspire you to submit your own work and share your creativity with the community. ✨

Casselton is about to brighten up with its first-ever public mural, set to grace the east-facing wall of City Hall. Spearheaded by the Casselton Public Art Task Force, this project celebrates the town’s vibrant spirit, rich history, and dynamic community.

The mural, titled Home Sweet Casselton Home, will transform a plain wall into a stunning visual representation of what makes Casselton special. From nods to the town’s agricultural roots and historic downtown architecture to a playful homage to the Central Cass Squirrels mascot, this mural promises to capture the pride and unity of the community.

Meet the Artist Behind the Vision

A design by local artist Mary Kensok has been chosen for Casselton’s first public mural. A long-time resident, Mary’s creative vision reflects the essence of what makes Casselton unique.

Kensok, a teacher for 33 years and former Central Cass elementary educator, has been a driving force in fostering the arts in Casselton. She has taught a summer youth art program for the Casselton Park District for more than 25 years and has drawn inspiration from her travels to view iconic works of art around the world.

Her design, Home Sweet Casselton Home, incorporates symbolic elements that tell the story of the town. From its agricultural roots and distinctive downtown buildings to the addition of a charming squirrel—a nod to the Central Cass Squirrels mascot—Mary’s mural is a heartfelt tribute to the community.

Mary’s dedication and artistic talent ensure that this mural will become a source of pride for years to come, inspiring residents and visitors alike.

Can you help?

This isn’t just about beautifying a wall—it’s about creating a lasting symbol that celebrates Casselton as home. But to make this vision a reality, we need your support.

Thanks to a Community Arts Grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts, much of the funding is already secured. However, this grant requires matching funds from the community—and that’s where you come in. Every dollar you donate helps us bring this incredible mural to life.

Any additional funds raised will support future public art projects in Casselton, allowing this initiative to pave the way for ongoing creativity in the community.

How to Donate

Donating is simple! Whether you’re an individual, local business, or organization, your support makes a difference.

• In-Person: Drop off cash or a check at BankNorth in Casselton.
• By Mail: Send a check to:
  BankNorth
  PO Box 70
  Casselton, ND 58012
• Check Details: Make checks payable to Casselton JDA and include “Casselton Mural Project” in the memo line.

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us reach our goal.

A Community Effort

The Casselton Public Art Task Force—Cassi Grenz, Joanne Seifert, Evan Anderson, Char Gust, Brady Peterson, Lauren Johnson, and Adam Kapaun—has worked to bring this project to life. Their passion for fostering creativity and highlighting the town’s uniqueness has helped make this mural possible.

“Our goal is to tap into the incredible pool of talent that exists here in Casselton and beyond,” says Cassi Grenz. “We’re excited to help bring public art to the community in a broader way and enhance what makes Casselton special.”

When to Expect It

The mural is scheduled for installation next spring, and we can’t wait to see Home Sweet Casselton Home brighten City Hall and create a welcoming focal point for everyone who visits Casselton.

Let’s come together to celebrate our town’s creativity, history, and future. Thank you for your support in helping make Casselton an even more vibrant place to call home.