The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

When the weather allows, the Harlem Civic Association will place a gazebo in the southwest corner of Centennial Park. The park is on the west edge of town. Civic Association President Rod Becker said there was a need for an area where visitors to the Airmen Memorial, located in the park, could have a place to rest when visiting the memorial. Becker added there would also be some benches that will be a part of the new rest area.

The gazebo was moved to the small parking lot at the edge of the park until it can be permanently placed. Becker said, "We wanted to incorporate the gazebo and benches so they weren't right in the middle of the park. At the southwest edge of Centennial Park there is a large evergreen and a small bridge already in place. The gazebo will be set in that area."

The gazebo was built by students in the carpentry program at Aaniiih Nakoda College at Fort Belknap. The students built the gazebo "for materials" with no charge for their labor. Becker added, "We planned to purchase a premade gazebo but it was suggested we approach the students at the college to build it. They did a great job."

Becker noted that especially in the summer the memorial attracts a lot of tourists, some coming there to visit the memorial and some who simply see a pleasant place to stop for a break. The memorial commemorates the 13 airmen who were killed, in 1992, when two cargo jets collided north of Harlem. Becker added, "The improved rest area will make it a nice place for visitors to spend some time." Locals maintain and decorate the memorial on certain holidays.