In the latest episode of the Living in McKenzie County Podcast, host Vawnita Best takes a look at the power of community in Watford City in a discussion with Irene Sealy, Director of the McKenzie County Public Library, and Kat Hartel and Emily Brown with Bakken MomCo. As families gear up for the school year, the discussion explores how these organizations are pivotal in nurturing connections and offering vital support to local families.

The McKenzie County Public Library has been transformed into a vibrant hub of community life. Beyond providing books, DVDs, board games, video games, and various other resources; it has become a gathering place where children can learn and play, and parents can connect with one another. Especially during the winter months, the library offers a much-needed space for communal engagement.

Kat and Emily emphasize the importance of community and support among mothers, and how Bakken MomCo can help provide that to local mothers. By organizing regular meetings packed with fun activities, Bakken MomCo bridges the gap for moms looking to connect and share in similar experiences in a welcoming space with other women

An example of collaboration between these organizations is the “Story Time in the Park” event, which provides families with opportunities to gather in a shared space, engage together, and strengthen community ties. These partnerships highlight the value of working together to create a supportive network that benefits everyone. Listeners are reminded to embrace these community activities since they are excellent avenues for creating meaningful connections, whether they’re new to the area or have been part of it for years. McKenzie County exemplifies how a strong community foundation can enrich family life and provide a sense of belonging, making it a wonderful place to call home.

‘Living in McKenzie County’ is a multi-platform content series co-hosted by McKenzie County Economic Development Director Meghan Taunton, and City of Watford City Community and Business Development Director Vawnita Best. Emanating from The Studio at Long X, new episodes drop the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

In the latest episode of the Living in McKenzie County Podcast, Vawnita Best sits down with Mary Fish-Gumke, Jessica Hollenbeck, and Stefanie Russell to dive into all the exciting happenings around Watford City. The Chamber’s big focus is on the upcoming 2026 Ribfest on August 14th, a staple event that promises fun, community spirit, and, of course, mouth-watering ribs.

Mary from the Chamber of Commerce breaks down what goes into pulling off this beloved event. With at least 15 rib teams bringing over 4,000 pounds of ribs, it’s not just a feast but a friendly competition. Local businesses like Lund Oil are gearing up to take home the trophy, creating a buzz of excitement and friendly rivalry on Main Street.

But the fun doesn’t stop at Ribfest. The group highlights about events like the Trail of Treats, Turkey Bingo, and the Parade of Lights. These gatherings are designed not just for fun but to strengthen community ties and make Watford City a place where people want to live and work.

The conversation also highlights the Chamber’s role in keeping Watford City’s business community connected and thriving. Through network lunches and after-hours events, the Chamber helps businesses support one another, ensuring that the local economy stays strong and that new connections are always being made.

So mark your calendars for Ribfest and other exciting events. Whether you’re indulging in delicious ribs, networking with local businesses, or joining in the seasonal celebrations, there’s always something happening in Watford City to bring people together. And if you’re a local business wondering how to get more involved, consider reaching out to the Chamber to see how you can get connected in this community.

‘Living in McKenzie County’ is a multi-platform content series co-hosted by McKenzie County Economic Development Director Meghan Taunton, and City of Watford City Community and Business Development Director Vawnita Best. Emanating from The Studio at Long X, new episodes drop the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

Best of the West Ribfest Website

Best of the West Facebook

Watford City Area Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Membership Form

Upcoming Events

 

In this bonus episode of the Living in Mckenzie County Podcast, host Jessie Veeder Scofield welcomes Long X Arts Education and Outreach Coordinator Oksana Zvyagelskiy, Rough Rider Center Assistant Director Josh Nollmeyer, and Watford City Parks and Rec’s Recreation Manager Krystal Picklesimer. The group takes a look at the various events and activities that will be taking place this summer in McKenzie County.

Homefest
Homefest is a centerpiece of the summer calendar in Watford City where the community gathers to enjoy music, food, and company. This year’s Homefest will take place July 10-11 and will consist of a 5K run, mud volleyball and cornhole tournaments, class reunions, and a street dance to close out each night.
https://www.watfordcityevents.com/all/Calendar/Details/Watford-City-Homefest-Food-Music-on-Main-/4502

Art in the Park
Art in the Park transforms the Watford City Tourist Park into into a vibrant display of creativity, featuring artwork from local and visiting artists. Held alongside Homefest, the July 11 event includes a baby pageant, talent show, and a foam party. The park will also contain art vendors, food, face painting, bounce houses, and more! Festivities will take place 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
https://longxarts.com/events/artinthepark/

Minot Hot Tots
The Minot Hot Tots have teamed up with the Rough Rider Center to bring the full Northwoods League game-day experience to Watford City! They’ll be taking on the St. Cloud Rox in two official Northwoods League regular season games as part of NWL Baseball Watford City Weekend, presented by American Legion Carl E. Rogen Post 29. Games are on July 18 and 19, with first pitch at 6:35 p.m. each night.
https://roughridercenter.com/event/minot-hot-tots-vs-st-cloud-rox-watford-city-weekend-baseball/ 

Spending summer in North Dakota means embracing all these wonderful events that illuminate our communities. From the lively settings of Homefest and Art in the Park to the cheers at a Hot Tots game, there’s something to look forward to every week. Come rain or shine, these events enhance the spirit of summer, and we can’t wait to partake in all the fun that lies ahead.

‘Living in McKenzie County’ is a multi-platform content series co-hosted by McKenzie County Economic Development Director Meghan Taunton, and City of Watford City Community and Business Development Director Vawnita Best. Emanating from The Studio at Long X, new episodes drop the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

 

In the latest episode of Living in McKenzie County, host Meghan Taunton welcomed McKenzie County Commissioner Joel Brown and North Dakota State Senator Dale Patten to discuss the future of energy in North Dakota and to provide insights from the recent Williston Basin Petroleum Conference, where industry leaders gather to discuss the latest developments and challenges in oil and gas.

Joel and Dale emphasized the importance of the conference, highlighting how it brings together key players from different sectors to set the direction for future energy initiatives. They discussed how enhanced oil recovery and managing natural gas effectively are vital to keeping North Dakota a leading oil producer. These strategies are important not just for the economy but also for maintaining the area’s infrastructure and quality of life.

The conversation also covered the rising gas-to-oil ratio in the Bakken formation. Joel and Dale talked about the need for innovative solutions to sustain production levels, stressing the importance of attracting investment to North Dakota. Looking to the future, the discussion turned to how McKenzie County can diversify its economy through the utilization of natural gas and by exploring data centers as one potential option. This approach aims to keep the community vibrant and sustainable for future generations.

As the episode wrapped up, Joel and Dale shared their vision for McKenzie County’s future. They underscored the importance of strategic planning and informed decision-making to adapt to changes in the energy sector. The discussion offered a hopeful view of how embracing new ideas can secure a bright future for the county and its residents.

‘Living in McKenzie County’ is a multi-platform content series co-hosted by McKenzie County Economic Development Director Meghan Taunton, and City of Watford City Community and Business Development Director Vawnita Best. Emanating from The Studio at Long X, new episodes drop the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

In this episode of Living in McKenzie County, McKenzie County Economic Development Director Meghan Taunton engages with local experts to discuss the landscape of small business development in the area. The panel features Cyrena Weeks, Executive Director of the Tri-County Regional Development Council; Keith Olson, Regional Director for the Small Business Development Center; and Susan Granrud, Workforce Center Manager at the Williston Job Service. Their discussion highlights the robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in the area and provides valuable advice and resources for aspiring business owners.

The panel begins by exploring the rich opportunities and unique challenges local businesses face, emphasizing the need for customized support systems. Keith Olson underscores the variety of services offered by the Small Business Development Center, such as helping entrepreneurs create business plans and explore financing options. He advises potential business owners to be prepared for a journey that may take time but is aided by a comprehensive support network offering no-cost advising services and convenient resources to launch successful ventures.

The conversation shifts to the role that artificial intelligence (AI) plays in fostering innovation and efficiency among small enterprises. The group discusses how AI tools can be employed strategically, from drafting initial business plans to streamlining data entry, radically transforming workflows, and helping businesses remain competitive. However, they warn against the indiscriminate use of AI without adequate training and safeguards, advocating for responsible and targeted integration.

This conversation also touches on the financial resources available to McKenzie County businesses. Cyrena Weeks highlights the advantages of regional loan funds and the importance of leveraging local financing programs to bridge funding gaps. The role of the Bank of North Dakota and local banks as critical partners in economic development is emphasized, providing unique financial solutions that support business growth tailored specifically to the region’s needs.

The main takeaway from this episode is the resilient and supportive business environment in McKenzie County. By leveraging local expertise, engaging with supportive regional entities, and responsibly utilizing modern technology, entrepreneurs can capitalize on plenty of resources and opportunities available. Whether you’re an aspiring business owner or an established entrepreneur looking to expand, McKenzie County offers a unique platform for growth and success, underpinned by a robust network of support and innovation.

‘Living in McKenzie County’ is a multi-platform content series hosted by City of Watford City Community and Business Development Director Vawnita Best, along with a roster of occasional guest hosts. Emanating from The Studio at Long X, new episodes drop the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.