FAIRMONT — Summer is here and with it the return of a beloved tradition. Interlaken Heritage Days (IHD) has been a staple of entertainment in Fairmont and offers residents and visitors alike a weekend of activities and events. The events reflect on Fairmont’s culture and deep sense of community. IHD festivities will begin on the evening of Friday, June 13 and conclude on the night of Saturday, June 14.

A five-year member of the IHD seven-person committee, Dustin Tino helps plan the events and overall brings the weekend of fun to life.

“I’m pretty excited for Interlaken Heritage Days,” Tino said with a smile.

The annual festival in Fairmont promises yearly-anticipated events such as the community meal at heritage Acres, Borderline Cruisers Car Show, pedal pull, Gomsrud Park Craft and Vendor show, food vendors, duck races, Chubb House root beer floats, grand parade, the lively street dance and a variety of other events.

The committee aims to add new additions to the broad list of festivities each year. New features of IHD this year include a Great Plains Zoo-mobile, and, for its second year, the street dance will be held at the Sylvania Park Bandshell with live entertainment by Fat City All-Stars, a beer garden by the Fairmont Brewing Company and multiple food vendors.

“[IHD] is very good for all families,” Tino said.

IHD strives to reach everyone, offering numerous activities that cover a diversity of community interests. Tino remarked that IHD has notably evolved.

Tino recalled an individual who reported that thousands of people were present at Gomsrud Park and Downtown Plaza in Fairmont during IHD events last year. He agreed that the significant number was wonderful for IHD. Additionally, Tino expressed he is impressed by the willingness of volunteers and local businesses to help improve the events.

“It’s really neat to see all these groups and businesses come and help out. We really couldn’t have done it without them. And as a business owner, I understand how hard it can be to sponsor and help out. It’s a community event and it’s worthwhile,” Tino said.

Even with IHD’s recurring success, the committee relies on the obliging sponsors and volunteers.

“We need volunteers. With a committee of seven, it’s challenging to put everything together. If we can get more volunteers, it’d be very helpful,” Tino expressed.

He explained that regardless of how many hours a volunteer can commit to, it’s significantly important to the IHD committee. Without the dedication from the committee, sponsors and volunteers, IHD would be at risk of permanently ending.

“Our theme is to get involved,” he said.

According to Tino, there are approximately 40 registrants for the Craft and Vendor Show at Gomsrud Park and 70 registrants for the Grand Parade.