Williston Basin Energy Festival 2011 | Video

Eric Steltzer | 8/18/2011

If it wasn`t for oil a lot of us wouldn`t be in North Dakota. Companies like Halliburton or Hess have become household names. But the problem is, although they`re operating in the Bakken, a lot of people don`t know what they do. It’s why the city is going to celebrate the 60th anniversary of finding oil on Sept. 17.

"We just had our blast and had double the numbers from previous years. After the blast I said we`ve got to do an industry event that brings in the entire region; Stanly, Tioga, Ray, Sydney Fairview, Williston, Watford City; bring all those entities in, and all those companies, and lets parade them for two and a half hours to see what companies do that operate here," said Williston Chamber Executive Director Kevin Paschke.

"They started to create some tension amongst some of the oil companies and some service companies. We saw it as an opportunity to provide some outreach, but at the same time show our competitors and customers that we have some brawn," said Halliburton Assistant District Manager Tony Lucyk.

At a press conference, chamber members announced the events at this year’s Williston Basin Energy Festival. They plan to have energy companies battle against each other in arm wrestling, tug of war, a bit toss and a truck pull.

"It’s all about Halliburton; we`re going to bring it. We have some guys that when they walk into a room they cast a shadow because they`re so big, and they`re hands are double the size of my hand," explained Lucyk.

The chamber also announced a parade starting by Public works, coming down Broadway and then Main Street. They say the festival will also be a good opportunity to teach the youth.

"Kids are curious abut what all these different companies do. We see the logos in town, we see the different company names, but know one knows what they do," said Paschke.

The festival will take place at the Fairgrounds, and the chamber expects nearly 8,000 people to attend.

Food will also be a big part of the festival. Paschke expects nearly 22 vendors with everything from steak tips, to shrimp and alligator. Kids 18 and under will eat free.

For the women there will be a pageant.

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