Mötley Crüe, Taylor Swift, Rodney Atkins, Heidi Newfield and Gary Allan will all perform at the 2009 North Dakota State Fair!

Mötley Crüe, the poster boys for eighties hair metal, will kick off the 2009 North Dakota State Fair concert lineup on Friday, July 24. Known for classic rock songs like “Girls, Girls, Girls” and “Dr. Feelgood” Mötley Crüe has recently released a new album and single both sharing the title “Saints of Los Angeles.”

Taylor Swift will kick off the 2009 country lineup at the North Dakota State Fair on Saturday, July 25. Swift’s chart topping songs include "Tim McGraw," "Our Song," "Love Story," "White Horse," and "Fifteen." Swift recently released her second album, "Fearless." Gloriana will be the opening act for the Taylor Swift concert.

Country music’s Rodney Atkins and Heidi Newfield both take to the stage on Sunday, July 26. Popular Atkins’ songs include “If You’re Going Through Hell,” “Cleaning This Gun,” “These are my People,” and his latest release “It’s America.” Heidi Newfield, who has emerged from the band Trick Pony as a solo artist, has seen success with her first single, “Johnny and June.” Additional songs on her new album, What am I Waiting For, include "Knocked Up" and "Cry, Cry."

Gary Allan will perform Thursday, July 30. Known for his hard-rockin’, no-apologies country music his most popular songs include "Songs About Rain," "Learning How to Bend," "Watching Airplanes," and his most recent release "She's so California."

More info on the final two concerts yet to come!

Help the North Dakota State Fair grow its Facebook Fan Page and win tickets!

Send your friends a message asking them to become a fan of the North Dakota State Fair Facebook Page.

If the Fair's fan page reaches 1,000 fans by St. Patrick's Day on March 17th we'll draw five winners who will win two tickets to one of the following events: Ranch Rodeo, Enduro Race, Demolition Derby or The Devonshires & Classic Car Show. One grand prize winner will receive two tickets to a country concert!

Send this link to your friends: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Minot-ND/North-Dakota-State-Fair/29966344217

and Good Luck!

Got Talent?

We want to see it! This summer the North Dakota State Fair will allow talented North Dakotans to perform on the Dakota Talent Stage located in the SRT State Fair Park. Whether you're in a band, are a concert pianist, love to break dance or want to perform with your dance school or cheerleading squad you can do it at the Fair! Performers receive free gate admission and a 30 minute time block to rock the stage. Applications are due July 1, 2009 and are available here, days and times will be filled on a first come first serve basis.

ND State Fair's New Website

We just went live with our new website for 2009! Each year we work with our advertising agency (Kranzler Kingsley) to come up with a new look / theme for the Fair's advertising campaign. This year's is now posted, check it out at http://www.ndstatefair.com/

Marketing / Communications Internship

The North Dakota State Fair is looking to hire two Marketing / Communications Interns for this summer!

North Dakota State Fair interns will assist the marketing team with planning and promotion of the 2009 North Dakota State Fair. Responsibilities include planning and executing special events, assisting with publicity, coordinating and updating social networking efforts, writing news releases and newsletters, updating website and blog, maintaining databases, as well as basic administrative duties. Individuals must be organized, detail orientated, and have the ability to work in a fast pace environment on multiple tasks. Position is full time from mid-May through mid-August, with the ability to start part-time prior to May if possible. Please send resume and cover letter to:

North Dakota State Fair
Attn. Marketing Department
PO Box 1796
Minot, ND 58702

Application deadline is March 13, 2009.

http://www.ndstatefair.com/employment/

Country Lineup Announcing Soon!

Morning! This week we will be announcing the 2009 Grandstand Showpass lineup. For $75 reserved seating or $65 general admission Fairgoers will receive four nights of country concerts and three nights of auto events including the Enduro Auto Race, Demolition Derby and Classic Car Show! We are waiting to book our last country act, as soon as we get confirmation I'll let you know who's coming to the Fair and when tickets will be on sale! With these big- name acts it's going to be best to get your tickets EARLY!

Help get North Dakota featured on the Today Show!

Help get North Dakota featured on the Today Show!

In honor of the segment’s 10th anniversary, the Today Show wants its viewers — you — to suggest where Matt should go on his week-long adventure. North Dakotans, here’s your chance to bring Matt Lauer to North Dakota.

Go to http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/28879486/ and tell the Today Show to come to North Dakota to showcase a place people will never forget. Be sure to include a photo! Deadline is February 23.