Restoring Pioneer Village | Video

Sarahbeth Ackerman | 7/17/2012

Volunteers from Williston grabbed their shovels and paint brushes to restore historic buildings at the Pioneer Village grounds.

"We have volunteers from the Hope Village here helping us get ready so we can open for the state fair," said Sue Bergan of the Ward County Historical Society.

All of the the buildings belong to the Ward County Historical Society and were damaged during last year`s flood.

"We would like for people attending the State Fair to come and see the damage that was done and the progress that was made restoring some of the buildings."

Historical volunteers can use all the hands they can get.

"It`s crazy to think these were all worn down when we first got here," said volunteer Justin Grindeland.

"It helps out a place that is close to us and that is important and it just feels good to help out some place close to home," said volunteer Paige Fisketjon.

These volunteers have been working long hours for two days straight.

"These young folks, started 8:00 this morning and they actually beat me here. I got here and they were busy painting. So it was pretty exciting," said Bergan.

The revamping is so exciting that the historic buildings will be up and running for the fair.

If you want to volunteer at the Pioneer Village or just take a tour of these historical buildings, feel free to go to their website at wchsnd.org.

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