SUMMER FARE: Have yourself a rib-tickling good time in Reynolds

If you love the taste of barbecued ribs or chili, you'll want to be in Reynolds, N.D., on Saturday for an event that promises to please your palate.

"Rib O'Rama" is back by popular demand but with a new twist, according to the sponsor Reynolds Community Betterment.

Contestants from around the region are expected to compete in the group's first rib and chili cook-off. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places, and a People's Choice award.

Public sales and People's Choice contest will run from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Traditional barbeque sides will be served up during the public sale portion of the contest.

The event will be held at Reynolds Community Park on Main Street, also the site of a classic car show. Visit www.facebook.com/ ReynoldsCommunityBetterment.

• On Thursday through Sunday, during Drayton Riverfest at Drayton, N.D., there's something for everyone on the banks of the Red River including food, music, parade, fireworks, and Supper at the Soddy at Blessing Square.

The event features North Dakota author Lauraine Snelling, science exploration activities, mud volleyball, and a motorcycle run. Visit www.draytonnd.com , or call (701) 454-3474.

Snelling, an award-winning author, will host a Writers Workshop from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday at Hastings Landing Restaurant, 909 North Main St. Pre-registration is required: $60 includes lunch.

"Coffee with Ingeborg," an entertaining talk by Snelling, will begin at 1:30 p.m. Friday at H.G. Johnson Memorial Hall, 105 Almeron Ave. She will appear as Ingeborg Strand Bjorklund, and other characters from her Red River of the North novels will be on hand. Event highlights will include live Norwegian music and goodies, coffee and gifts for everyone. Reservations are required; cost is $20.

For more information, email president@oxcarttrails.net or call (701) 454-6103.

County fairs are gearing up in Thief River Falls, Hallock, Minn. and Roseau, Minn.:

• Pennington County Fair (Thief River Falls), Wednesday through Sunday: www.penncofair.com , (218) 683-5132 or (218) 681-1634, MLEnge52@hotmail.com .

• Kittson County Fair (Hallock), Thursday through Sunday. (218) 843-3411 or (218) 762-6661 or chair@kittsoncountyfair.org

• Roseau County Fair (Roseau), Sunday through July 26: www.roseaucountyfair.com; (218) 463-3387 or (218) 463-1009, or selvin@wiktel.com .

More fun

• Concerts in the Garden series continues at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the North Dakota Museum of Art on the UND campus. Bring alawn chair or blanket and enjoy music by Whitehorse, a husband and wife duo that perform original and cover tunes in the folk/rock genre. Hamburgers, brats, salads, root beer floats, beer and wine available for purchase. Admission: $8 in advance, $10 at the door, 261 Centennial Drive, UND campus.

• Here's something for the new (or seasoned) fishing enthusiast. During the Minnaqua program from 6to 9 p.m. Thursday at Rydell National Wildlife Refuge near Erskine, Minn., you can learn how to cast a line with various different rods and reels on Tamarack Lake on the refuge. Also learn how to fillet your catch. (218) 687-2229.

• Surround yourself with creativity at Fargo's Downtown Street Fair from Thursday through Saturday. Stroll through blocks of outdoor booths of handmade arts and crafts, tempting food and live entertainment in the city's historic downtown. www. fmdowntown.com; (701) 241-1570

• Enjoy music outdoors at Itasca State Park's "Music Under the Pines: Bill and Kate Isles" concerts Friday and Saturday near Park Rapids, Minn.

The Isles will perform from 6:30 to8 p.m. Friday at Douglas Lodge (if raining, concert held in the park's Brower Visitor Center). Bring your blanket or lawn chair and come out for an evening of entertainment by the Duluth-based singersongwriters whose music has been called "transcendent" and "mesmerizing."

On Saturday, the couple performs with 45-minute shows beginning at noon and 2 p.m. in the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Plaza at Itasca State Park.

• All roads lead to McVille, N.D., on Friday through Sunday for families looking for fun during McVille Days. The event features entertainment, dance, children's games, canoe races, barbecues, golf tournament, bingo, aerial show, dessert bake-off and parade. www.mcville.com; (701) 322-4343.

• Experience German dance, music and foods at the German Folk Festival, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Rheault Farm, 2902 25th St. S., Fargo. Enjoy stage performances throughout the day, and learn more about the culture through displays, presentations and crafts. German and American food will be available for purchase. (701) 499-7788.

• Get in touch with your wild side. Join Jess Edberg at 1:30 p.m. Sunday for a program, "Wolves in Minnesota: Ecology & Management," at the Visitors Center of the Rydell National Wildlife Refuge near Erskine, Minn. Discuss wolf ecology, wolf and coyote identification, and wolf management with Edberg who is with the International Wolf Center in Ely, Minn.

The interpretive program, which is free, will include hands-on investigation of artifacts. It is sponsored by the Friends of Rydell and Glacial Ridge. Refreshments will be available.

After the presentation, join Edberg for an interpretive hike on the refuge to look for wolf, coyote and other wildlife signs to learn about these predators and the International Wolf Center. Hikers should prepare for a1- to 1 1/2-mile trek on maintained refuge trails. In case of inclement weather, program will be held indoors.

For a complete list of fairs and festivals throughout North Dakota, go to www. NDtourism.com or call (800) 435-5663 or (701) 328-2525.