Festivals and Events

JULY

Killdeer Mountain Roundup Rodeo. Begun in 1923, this is North Dakota's oldest rodeo sanctioned by the PRCA. The community goes all out, hosting a parade, street dance, community barbecue, and fireworks display on July 3 and 4. Killdeer, North Dakota, 58640. 701/764–5777; www.killdeer.com.

AUGUST

Founder's Day. Each August 25, this holiday commemorates the establishment of the National Park Service in 1916. The visitor centers host special programs and serve cookies and lemonade. 701/623–4466; www.nps.gov/thro.

SEPTEMBER

Dakota Nights Astronomy Festival. Without light pollution from nearby towns, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is ideal for astronomical observation any cloudless night of the year. To enjoy the stars with others, come during the annual Dakota Nights Astronomy Festival in September (dates vary). Check the park website for a current schedule. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota. www.nps.gov/thro. Free.

DECEMBER

Old-Fashioned Cowboy Christmas. Held the first full weekend in December in downtown Medora, the Old-Fashioned Cowboy Christmas begins with a wreath-hanging ceremony at the community center, followed by a children's carnival, sleigh rides, magic acts, and a dance. Medora, North Dakota. 701/623–4910.