Sue Sitter/PCT Shoppers take advantage of outdoor bargains in downtown Rugby in this Crazy Days photo from 2019.

Rugby Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Laurie Odden had a lot on her plate last week.

Just after hosting 14 teams from as far away as Fargo in the Annual Rugby Chamber Softball Tournament over the weekend, Odden set about finishing up plans for Crazy Days, another tradition popular with local businesses.

Ahead of last Thursday’s large sale, Odden said, “I talked to a lot of downtown businesses, and I know that most of them are planning to be involved at some point. I don’t know if they’ll all have things out on the street (for strolling shoppers), but they will have sales inside their stores if they don’t come out.”

Away from Rugby’s downtown, businesses on Highway 2 told Odden of their plans to participate as well.

“I talked with the Brown Lantern,” Odden said. “They plan to run some sales along the highway. And Family Dollar, when I last spoke with them, they were considering doing something special for that day as well. Along with that, we’ll have the Rugby Car Club coming out to put some cars on display.”

Odden said Rugby’s Village Arts was set to present live choral and improv comedy performances by people of all ages in the space next door to Rockin’ Relics Cafe.

“We also have some food trucks coming,” Odden added. “There are two confirmed at this point. We have Luna’s Foodwagon from Towner and the Hitchin’ Kitchen out of Minot.”

“We also have the Little Flower PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization) setting up to sell popcorn by the bag. I’m also hoping for ice cream from SR Vending, and possibly the Rez Lemonade truck,” said Odden.

Other participants include Jennifer Suko’s R and J Crafts, Norwex vendor June Hager, Mary Kay representative Penny Pollman, Keri’s Baking Obsession of Rugby and Hidden Treasures Greenhouse of Rolette.

“Thunder Jewelry and JJ Threads Boutique will be there,” Odden said of a business owned by local occupational therapist Jessalyn Ostrem. “They will set up inside Jennifer Zachmeier’s photography studio. I also have handmade jewelry with Mary Ann Bergeron and products by Faye Hoffart.”

“So, there should be a lot of fun stuff,” Odden noted.