While 2015 was a big year for Buggies-n-Blues, 2016 has a few unique extras that will be added to the schedule. (Dustin White photo)

Dustin White

Editor

Reeving up for the summer, thousands are getting ready to line Main Street, Mandan, for the annual Buggies-n-Blues event. Kicking off on June 11, with a concert in Dyshoorn Park, the weekend will end with 450-500 classic cars filling the street.

One of the the biggest summer events in Mandan, the festivities are for more than just classic car lovers though.

In it’s 23rd year, the event is set to be bigger and better than ever. With food vendors, crafts and live music making the festival friendly for the entire family, a garden sale at the Heritage Center, from 10-3 p.m., beginning June 10 and running until June 12, will also take advantage of the weekend, to bring a bit of extra diversity to the event.

Making this year a bit more unique, the Mandan Progress Organization, who hosts the yearly event, had the chance to bring to Mandan a one-of-a-kind vehicle; a Batmobile replica from the 1966 television series, “Batman.” The vehicle will be a feature of the event on June 12, and will be available for photo ops.

The Batmobile will be also be featured at a United Tribes Technical College Event on June 11, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The UTTC event will include kids inflatables, prizes, food and refreshments, as well as a raffle, where the lucky winner will get a ride in the Batmobile. To help round out the event, Johnny Green and the Green Men will be providing music.

Helping launch Sunday’s events, the Mandan Municipal Airport will be hosting a Planes and Pancakes event. (Dustin White photo)

The flyover

While Sunday’s events, including the classic car show, are getting prepared, the Mandan Municipal Airport will be busy serving more than a thousand guests at their annual Planes and Pancakes event.

Beginning at 8 a.m., visitors will be treated to a delicious breakfast, as well as have the chance to explore aviation a bit.

Airplane simulators will be available, allowing those interested to try their hand at flying a plane. For those looking to experience flying first hand, airplane and helicopter rides are available.

Serving as a great lead in for Buggies-n-Blues, guests are then encouraged to head into downtown Mandan for the days’ festivities.

The Planes and Pancakes event is held June 12, 8-11:30 p.m. at the Mandan Municipal Airport, located four miles south of Mandan, on Highway 6.

Schedule

Buggies-n-Blues kicks off on June 11, with a block party at Dykshoorn park. Gates open at 3:30 p.m., with the band starting at 4 p.m. and going to 11:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, while children 12 and younger are free, when accompanied by an adult. Starting off the music is the Jennifer Lyn Band, with Billy D and the Crystals, starting at 7:30 p.m., finishing the night.

A classic car parade, including 150-200 cars will be held at 8 p.m., and is open to all classic cars. The parade leaves the Braves Center at 8 p.m.

On Saturday, the event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with food vendors opening in Dykshoorn park, and the classic car show (on Main Street), antique tractor display, Buggies-n-Blues in miniature (at the Harvest Brazilian Grill), and a vendor show/swap meet (on Main Street) kicking off at 11 a.m.

At noon, the beer garden in Dykshoorn Park opens, and music will be provided by Fully Loaded, until 4 p.m.

For more information, go to www.Buggies-n-Blues.org

A selection of last year’s cars. 450 to 500 will line Main Street this year. (Dustin White photo)

Additional events

For the car enthusiast, a couple of additional events will also be taking place at the Dacotah Speedway.

Continuing the Mandan Dirt Series on June 10, dozens of cars will be battling each other on the track. Gates open at 6 p.m., and the green flag at 7 p.m.

On Saturday, the country’s third largest demolition derby will be bringing destruction to the Dacotah Speedway. The 4-Man Team Derby begins at 2 p.m., with the front gates opening at noon.

For more information, go to www.DacotahSpeedway.net