State park vehicle permit available

The 2013 North Dakota State Park annual vehicle permit is available and features the 30th anniversary of the Fort Ransom State Park Sodbusters event.

For the past 30 years visitors to Fort Ransom State Park have experienced “living history” in the form of Sodbuster Days, an event held twice a year during the second full weekend in July and first weekend after Labor Day. Sodbuster Days pays tribute to the state’s pioneer ancestors and their lifestyle.

The event is put on by the Fort Ransom Sodbusters Association in cooperation with Fort Ransom State Park and the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department. Sodbuster Days debuted in 1984 as a one-day event, expanding to four two-day shows in 1989 as part of North Dakota’s centennial celebration. Since 1990 it has been held as a two-day event, twice a year.

The mission of the Fort Ransom Sodbuster’s Association, a non-profit volunteer organization formed in 1986, is to pay tribute to North Dakota’s pioneers. Through the organization’s efforts the “Sunne Farm” site on the Fort Ransom State Park grounds has been preserved. The group also acquires, restores, preserves and displays original machinery and other artifacts used by pioneers.

Information about the Association can be found at www.ransomcountynd.com or www.fortransom.nd.com. For more about Fort Ransom State park, including camping and events go to the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department website at www.parkrec.nd.gov.

The 2012 annual North Dakota state parks annual permit can be purchased from North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department headquarters in Bismarck or from any of the state parks. An annual permit is $25; senior pass (state residents age 65 and older) $20; North Dakota veterans with service-related disability qualify for a discount. The pass allows daily entrance to any North Dakota State Park and is good until May 1, 2014.

Information about the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department can be found on its website at www.parkrec.nd.gov.

Tags: community, parks