This tiny town in North Dakota has made a name for itself for having a one of a kind annual festival that draws crowds to see it every year. That town is Taylor, ND, located near Dickinson. The population is only 148 in this town but spirits are strong every July when this unique festival takes place.
This festival centers around one specific thing: horses!
Darla Hueske/Flickr Every year, this town is host to the Taylor Horse Fest. What it focuses on isn’t just horses, but their role in the heritage of North Dakota. Horses are a huge part of history, especially for farming communities, and this festival is the perfect way to celebrate that.
This two day festival is highlighted by a parade that showcases horses and all kinds of horse-drawn vehicles and machinery.
Darla Hueske/Flickr
Riders and horses both big and small also get to take part in the parade going right through town.
Darla Hueske/Flickr
Many different types of horses and the different jobs they have served are showcased in this parade.
Darla Hueske/Flickr
Even mules can join in!
Darla Hueske/Flickr The parade goes through Taylor, which is already full of street vendors and horse-related demonstrations for that day. You can watch a blacksmith at work or see live entertainment. Browse the food and craft stalls and maybe go home with a souvenir!
The festival doesn’t stop at the parade; there is plenty to look forward to afterwards when the horses take to the fields to demonstrate their important role in the history of North Dakota.
Darla Hueske/Flickr
Darla Hueske/Flickr
From the fields to stacking the hay and hauling it to the barn, these horses take everyone a step back in time to when motorized farm equipment wasn’t around yet.
Darla Hueske/Flickr
Aside from the main events of the parade and demonstrations, Taylor Horse Fest also features horse training seminars, old farm equipment exhibits, a pie social, and tons of fun for kids like petting zoos and they can even take a crack at roping. At the end of the day there is a street dance for everyone to take part in. It’s a fun way to experience the state’s agricultural history first hand and in person while seeing beautiful horses and having fun all around town!
Darla Hueske/Flickr
Every year, this town is host to the Taylor Horse Fest. What it focuses on isn’t just horses, but their role in the heritage of North Dakota. Horses are a huge part of history, especially for farming communities, and this festival is the perfect way to celebrate that.
The parade goes through Taylor, which is already full of street vendors and horse-related demonstrations for that day. You can watch a blacksmith at work or see live entertainment. Browse the food and craft stalls and maybe go home with a souvenir!
Taylor Horse Fest will take place on July 29th and July 30th, 2017. You can find more information and a full schedule of events by clicking here.
Learn more about North Dakota’s agricultural history through these rare photographs taken nearly a century ago.
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