Today, a formal ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. and includes:

– American and Canadian Anthems, Harvey Men’s Choir

– First Nations Song and Dance

– Opening remarks, Dorothy Dobbie, Peace Garden Board of Directors vice president

Mandy Taniguchi/MDN Tim Chapman, who became CEO of the International Peace Garden recently, poses for a photo with visitors Roberta LaFloe, left, of Dunseith and Mandy Taniguchi of Minot on Saturday. The Peace Garden is observing its 85th anniversary this weekend.

– Remarks from Parks representatives from Manitoba and North Dakota

– Letters of support from various Government representatives

– Closing remarks by Dorothy Dobbie

– Interpretive dance west of the formal ceremony

Spanning 2,339 acres, the Peace Garden is the largest garden in the world dedicated to the celebration of peace and is the only garden straddling an international boundary.

Submitted Photo The International Peace Garden has a unique setting on the U.S. and Canadian border.

According to information from Nicki Weissman, Peace Garden event coordinator, the Peace Garden is a dream that began in 1928 after a meeting of the National Association of Gardeners attended by horticulturalist Henry J. Moore of Islington, Ontario, and Joseph Dunlop, of South Euclid, Ohio. Together, they envisioned a botanical garden commemorating the long, peaceful coexistence of the people of Canada and United States. Only four years later, on July 14, 1932, Moore and Dunlop were standing on the North Dakota and Manitoba border in the middle of North America, along with more than 50,000 people from Canada and the U.S., at the official opening of the International Peace Garden.

The Interpretive Center in the Peace Garden houses what is perhaps the largest cacti and succulent collection in the world, the Vitko collection. There’s also a cafe and gift shop in the Interpretive Center. The International Music Camp is located in the Peace Garden.

Tim Chapman became chief executive officer of the International Peace Garden this spring.

The Peace Garden is located 13 1/2 miles north of Dunseith.

Mandy Taniguchi/MDN Vendors were set up in the International Peace Garden on Saturday for the Peace Garden’s 85th anniversary being held this weekend.