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Area arts councils help keep towns large and small vital and interesting

Submitted Photo The 2015 performance of “A Christmas Carol” by actors in Garrison. The Sakakawea Area Council of the Arts puts on many events.

The Sakakawea Area Arts Council in Garrison, like others in the area, serves the community and also is a draw for big events like the annual Dickens Festival.

Mike Youngs, co-chair of the theater division of the council, said 10 to 30 cast members put on some version of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” every year in conjunction with the festival. They give six performances, all of which are sold out. About 275 people attended one performance.

The arts council also puts on additional productions during the year.

In addition, Youngs said the group owns the town theater and provides movies on weekends at a reduced price, offers art classes for adults and kids, helps sponsor events at the Garrison Public Library such as book signings and a book exchange, and sponsored performances by music groups and dance groups.

In addition to performing in the various stage productions, Youngs said he has also written and published several plays.

Youngs said he thinks the art council is unusually active for a small town and helps bring people to the community.

Linda Lumley, of the Sibyl Center in Stanley, also said her local group is an asset for the community.

“Music is the main event at Sibyl, although we have expanded in other areas such as displays by local artists, photographers and the North Dakota Historical Society.”

Events that have been held at the Sibyl, a community oriented center for the arts and learning in downtown Stanley, also have included children’s theater and a ladies tea. Summer concerts coming up this year include Link Union from Missouri on June 17, Heartbreak Hotel from Minneapolis on July 15, Dr. Carlos Vieira on Aug. 20 and Redhead Express and the Walker Family from Nashville, Tenn., on Oct. 7.

“(They’re) very impressive for our little town,” said Lumley.

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