After a year’s absence due to COVID-19 a family fun event is returning.

“Think of it as a block party our church is putting on to invite neighbors, friends, and the whole community to have a friendly time,” said Pastor Travis Hovde, Eagles Wings Community Fellowship. “It’s kind of a fun festival to get to know our neighbors.”

A big tent will be set up on the grounds of Eagles Wings, located behind Harley’s Automotive immediately across the river from Oak Park. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 11, the 20th anniversary of that fateful day when highjacked planes were flown into the Twin Towers in New York and the Pentagon and another was brought down in Pennsylvania, all at great loss of life.

“We’ll have an Honor Guard here at 10 a.m. and a retired member of Minot Air Force Base to share some thoughts,” said Hovde. “There will be a prayer and a few moments to remember and honor. Also to be considered is what’s going on today. It’s personal to some members of our congregation that have actually served in Afghanistan.”

Hovde described the return of Party By The Park as “exciting,” after canceling the event last year due to coronavirus. It’s a new date for the event too. It had previously been held in June.

Highlights of the event include a free barbecue, live music, Dakota Cruisers classic cars, the Christian Motorcycle Association, escape room, inflatables for kids, and racing pigs.

There’s no strings attached, just a good time,” remarked Hovde. “It is open to anyone who wants to come.”