This weekend, the Ward County Historical Society and its engaging Pioneer Village is hosting a “thank you” event in its new Burlington location for all of those who donated and otherwise supported the Village’s relocation from the North Dakota State Fair property to a location in the adjacent town.

Good for the historical society, as well as Burlington, fans of the historical society and for local history buffs. It should be a celebration of accomplishment as much as a thank you.

Just a few months ago, it looked like Pioneer Village was in peril. NDSF came out on top in a legal struggle revolving around the Village’s position on NDSF property. Both resources and a new location were daunting obstacles.

Subsequently, the historical society conducted a fundraising campaign, which is still underway and vital; the offer to relocate to Burlington came through; and the Village was able to be relocated within the set time parameters. Buildings are already on foundations.

That’s a long way to come in a short period of time.

Preservation and honoring any community’s history have been essential to the success of countless cities and towns around the nation. Losing the Village or a less satisfying relocation plan than this one would have been disappointments.

Congratulations and thanks to donors, supporters and to the historical society members themselves. A number of things had to come together for this relocation.

Minot Daily News encourages continued support of Pioneer Village and also plans to visit the new site when it’s fully ready.

The Ward County Historical Society’s “thank you” picnic will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at the new location at 8181 U.S. Highway 2&52 West in Burlington. Lunch will be served at 1 p.m. The event is open to the public.