Jet Engines, Team Spirit, and Tug-of-War With a Plane? Only in Williston North Dakota!

If you’ve ever looked at a commercial jet and thought, “Yeah, I could drag that thing across the tarmac with a few friends,” then buckle up because Make-A-Wish North Dakota has the event for you.

On Saturday, August 16, 2025, the Williston Basin International Airport is trading in its typical takeoffs for tug-of-war. It’s the Williston Plane Pull & Fly-In Event, and yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like: teams of up to 20 people testing their strength (and their sense of humor) by pulling a passenger jet 50 feet, all to support local kids battling critical illnesses. It's one of the most unique fundraisers in North Dakota, and you get to be a part of it!

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Pulling for a Purpose: Team Up, Tug a Plane, and Help Grant Wishes in North Dakota

Before you start doing bicep curls with your carry-on, here’s the scoop. Up to 25 teams can register, and while pulling a plane might sound like a Fast & Furious deleted scene, it’s surprisingly doable, and a whole lot of fun. There’s no registration fee, but teams are encouraged to raise $1,000 or more to help grant wishes for North Dakota children who truly deserve some magic. Where else can you get this close to a big plane?

The day kicks off with team arrivals at 9:30 AM, followed by the main event at 10:00 AM. By noon, it’s lunchtime and time to chill with a movie in the hangar. The event wraps up by 3:00 PM with prize announcements and plenty of celebratory high-fives.

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There’s free parking on-site, and space is limited. So carpool if you can and don’t forget to snag some event swag, available while supplies last.

So round up your strongest friends (or your most enthusiastic ones), lace up your sneakers, and head to 14151 Commerce Drive in Williston. Because nothing says “community spirit” quite like hauling a jet across the runway for a great cause. Let’s pull together to help Make-A-Wish North Dakota lift off some dreams.