Big Iron and Big Animals

Today is the last day of the KMOT Ag Expo. We've seen combines, tractors, welding supplies, seed dealers and prize winning cattle! Definitely a good distraction from all of the snow and cold temps we've been having!

NDSF

The South Dakota State Fair is in the news today, their organization is fully funded by the State of South Dakota and this year their budget may be substantially reduced. The ND State Fair is different in the sense that the only funding received from the State of North Dakota is for premiums (the money awarded to exhibitors who show livestock, baked goods, crafts etc.); hopefully we'll also receive funding from the State for the Grandstand. The ND State Fair generates the income needed to operate the Fairgrounds. This income is generated from revenue streams at the Fair as well as through building rentals and other events that are hosted throughout the year on the Fairgrounds. The ND State Fair is a State Agency and we are all State employees, even though the State does not fund our paychecks or operating expenses. Moral of the story, since the ND State Fair is a separate entity we have the freedom to keep producing a stellar event for our Fairgoers!

The State Fair Needs Your Help!

On Friday morning the North Dakota State Fair will be testifying at the Senate Appropriations Committee in Bismarck. Governor Hoeven has included $17 million in his budget for a new grandstand, the State Fair is testifying to keep this full amount in the budget. But the Fair still needs your help! Please contact your legislator and encourage them to keep the Grandstand in the budget. You can find your legislators information by clicking here or call 701-328-2916 to leave a message for your legislator telling him or her to Keep the Grandstand's $17 million in the Budget! Contact our office at 852-FAIR with any questions. The picture on the top is of the current Grandstand in 1959! It's definitely time for a new one!

Twitter

The North Dakota State Fair is now on Twitter! Become a follower of NDStateFair to get up to the minute information on news worthy events and the latest details on the 2009 State Fair. To follow the Fair visit http://twitter.com/ndstatefair

Weddings at the State Fair Center

The ND State Fair Center plays host to many events throughout the year. Rooms within the State Fair Center are rented for birthdays, bachelorette parties, meetings, anniversaries, graduations and weddings. Our facility offers affordable rates with a flexibility that most facilities in the region can't provide.

Stop by our booth at Minot's Bridal Showcase on January 31st at the Holiday Inn Riverside from 2-6pm to learn more about having your wedding or event at the State Fair Center!

38th Annual KMOT Ag Expo

The next big event to fill the State Fair Center will be the KMOT Ag Expo. The Ag Expo runs Wednesday, January 28th to Friday, January 30th. There is also a Livestock show that will be held Thursday, January 29th to Saturday, January 31. Over 350 exhibitors will exhibit with more than 900 booths. Attendance is expected to range from 30,000 - 40,000 people. The Ag Expo features the latest agriculture technology and equipment, along with exhibits that cover all areas of agriculture. There will also be seminars and a Living Ag Classroom. Parking and admission are free and everyone is invited to attend.

Keith Anderson

Did I mention that while in Vegas, our staff got to meet country music artist, Keith Anderson? He played guitar while singing Pickin' Wildflowers and Lost in this Moment. It pretty much rocked!

State Fair Documentary will air January 7th

If you missed “Our State Fair: The North Dakota Experience” documentary on Prairie Public, you're in luck! The documentary will air on January 7th at 7pm, featuring footage from the 2008 State Fair as well as interviews with fairgoers, exhibitors, and fair officials. Copies of the documentary can still be purchased through the State Fair Office for $24.99 or online from Prairie Public.

Join our eNewsletter Mailing List!

We are getting close to being able to announce the majority of our '09 concert lineup (We just need the go-ahead from a couple of the bands). Sign up for our e-newsletter to ensure that you are first to get the concert lineup, ticket on-sale dates and other breaking news about the 2009 North Dakota State Fair! You can sign up by visiting the North Dakota State Fair website.