The month of August in North Dakota offers many chances to get out and experience the scenic outdoors and enjoy some entertainment at the same time. Here�s a sampling of events:

Fort Totten Sullys Hill Birding & Nature Festival (Aug. 5-8) The annual Sullys Hill event is a celebration of both nature and history. The festival offers educational, engaging and enjoyable programs, presentations, workshops and outdoor recreational opportunities for people of all ages who enjoy birding and the outdoors. For more information call Sullys Hill National Game Preserve, 701-766-4272; also online at www.sullyshillbirdfest.com.

Washburn Artrain USA (Aug. 5-8) The nation�s only art museum on a train will be on Missouri Avenue and Sixth Street in downtown Washburn. The exhibit is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 5-7 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 8. �Native Views: Influences of Modern Culture� will feature 71 contemporary artworks by 54 Native American artists. The exhibition will also showcase a variety of local artists. The event is free and this will be the only stop in North Dakota. For more information call toll-free at 877-462-8535.

Fargo North Dakota Horse Park Opening Day (Aug. 6) From wire to wire, the North Dakota Horse Park promises plenty of events to enhance this summer�s racing meet. Friday, Aug. 6, is opening day as thoroughbred and quarter horse action returns to the little track on the prairie. The Denim and Diamonds Drill team will perform all three days of the opening weekend calendar. The horse park is open every weekend in August and the first two weekends in September. The season ends Sept. 12. On Fridays gates open at 3:30 and post time is 5:30. On Saturday and Sunday, gates open at 11:30 a.m. and post time is 1:15 p.m. For more information call 701-277-8027; also online at www.northdakotahorsepark.org.

Carrington Pastafest (Aug. 6-7) The fourth annual Pastafest features an array of activities. The event runs from 2 p.m. to midnight on Aug. 6 and 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Aug. 7. There�s a golf scramble on Aug. 6, an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner and a dance at the Vet�s Club, which runs from 8 p.m. to midnight. On Aug. 7, a kids activity tent will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A parade is scheduled for 5 p.m. and a gourmet Italian dinner to start at 6 p.m. For more information call the Carrington Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-641-9668; also online at http://www.carringtonnd.com/website/PastaFest.htm.

Valley City Street Festival (Aug. 7) Check out Valley City�s annual street festival that features more than 25 arts, crafts and food booths. Event hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Courthouse Square. A lot of entertainment is scheduled throughout the day, including a magic show, puppet show, gymnastics performance and musical acts. An ice cream social will also be held. A quilters' jubilee is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. inside the courthouse. For more information call 701-845-6491; also online at www.hellovalley.com/valleycity/.

Mandan Fur Traders� Rendezvous (Aug. 7-8) Re-enactors live out the fur trading days of the 18th and 19th centuries at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park south of Mandan. The event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Visitors can participate in some activities, such as hatchet throwing, watch black powder demonstrations, and barter with fur traders selling their wares. The cost is the park entrance fee. For more information call 701-667-6380; also online at www.ndparks.com/Parks/FLSP.htm.

Bismarck Capital A�Fair (Aug. 7-8) The area�s largest summer art fair features nearly 150 artisans from across the country and attracts thousands of local and regional visitors. The North Dakota Capitol Grounds are transformed into a festive gathering place complete with music, great food, performing arts groups and children�s activities. There also will be a Dakota Mustang car show in one of the Capitol parking lots. Hours on Aug.7 are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Aug. 8 they are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call Linda Christman at 701-223-5986 for more information; also online at www.bismarck-art.org.

Flasher Cannonball River Wagon Company ride (Aug. 7-8) Riding the trails of southwest North Dakota, either on horseback or by covered wagon, is a great way to enjoy beautiful scenery and travel in the style and tradition of the people who settled the area. Cannonball River Wagon Company offers a wonderful opportunity to cross a bit of countryside like it was done many years ago. This special event includes a tour along the Cannonball River, meals prepared on a chuck wagon and outdoor activities such as wildlife viewing, campfires and storytelling. Camping supplies are needed. For more information call 701-597-3910; also online at http://www.members.tripod.com/schmeichel2/index.htm.

Minot Northern Neighbors Day (Aug. 14) This annual event at Minot Air Force Base combines an air show and an open house. It�s an opportunity to check out a number of different aircraft up close. Demonstrations include the U.S. Navy Leap Frogs parachute team, an F-15C Eagle, a B-52, B-1B and B1-17 Memphis Belle. Food, beverages and souvenirs will be available. Gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Flying demonstrations begin about 11 a.m. Admission is free. For more information call 701-723-6212.

Washburn Heritage Outbound Summer Adventure (Aug. 14-15) You can paddle a canoe to retrace the Missouri River experience of Lewis and Clark through North Dakota. There will be cultural and historic presentations as part of the weekend package. For more information call 701-328-2799 or 701-328-2525; also online at www.state.nd.us/hist/HeritageOutboundCanoeTrip.htm

Plan to get out and experience these events and activities. It�s an opportunity to have an adventure without venturing far from home. Go to www.ndtourism.com or call 800-HELLO ND or 701-328-2525 for more information on other events throughout the state.

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Media Contact: Sara Otte Coleman, Director, Tourism Division North Dakota Department of Commerce 701-328-2525