Tough Enough To Wear Pink?

The Minot Y’s Men, in cooperation with Trinity Health, SRT, and Minot’s community radio stations WGO, the ZOO and Sunny 101 invite you to join in an important and unique project.

Our Tough Enough To Wear Pink Campaign continues to raise funds to provide patients access to Trinity Health’s new cancer exercise rehab program at the Minot Family YMCA. This innovative new program offers dramatic results in the quality of life and rehabilitation for those fighting cancer.

It’s easy to help. Just be watching and listening for Pink Party Locations and look for our TETWP Pickup Truck, courtesy of the Ryan Automotive Group.

We’ll be making stops all over town, selling our “New” TETWP t-shirts, hats, bracelets and ribbons. Or just stop by to make a donation or say hello. 100% of all proceeds will go to this program which benefits patients in our community.

Last year over $43,000 was raised, which was the 7th highest in the nation!

Best of all, your help will make you feel good in knowing that you helped make a difference in someone else’s life!

Upcoming parties include:

􀂾 Tuesday, September 1 – Enerbase on N. Broadway from, 10-Noon

􀂾 Thursday, September 3 – American Bank Center, Dakota Square, 1-3pm

􀂾 Tuesday, September 8 – Choice Hotels, 10-12pm

􀂾 Wednesday, September 9 – Affinity First Federal Credit Union, 4-6pm

􀂾 Thursday, September 10 – the Flower Box, 11-1pm

Don't miss the 55th Annual Minot Y's Men's Rodeo at the State Fair Center October 8 - 11, 2009!

Shinedown at the All Seasons Arena

Shinedown will rock the All Seasons Arena in the State Fair Center on Wendesday, September 16th at 7:00pm. Tickets are on sale now for $26 at the State Fair Center box office, by calling 1-800-882-4275 or order online here. This concert is open to all ages with all seating and standing room general admisison. Get your tickets in advance! The day of the concert tickets are $30 each. Special guests include the bands Sick Puppies, Cavo and Adelitas Way. Doors open at 6:00pm.

Now Hiring for a Temporary Position!

Our amazing receptionist Stacy is having a baby! We are looking to fill a part-time / full-time receptionist position available for 12-14 weeks to fill in while she is on maternity leave. Hours include Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm. Duties include answering phone, helping customers at the window, bank and mail runs, filing and other office duties. Position to start immediately. Please complete an official NDSF application by hand and mail to:

North Dakota State Fair
Attn: Kristie Moldenhauer
P.O. Box 1796
Minot, ND 58702

Call 857-7620 with questions.

Motor Magic just around the corner

With our staff hard at work putting together year end reports and making notes on how we can make next year's Fair better, the bussle doesn't just stop. Last week the State Fair Center was host to the Great Tomato Festival as a fundraiser for Taube Museum, and we have had plenty of wedding receptions as well! The Grandstand construction is well under way and completely removed by this point, and we are staging for the largest auto event in the midwest, Minot's Motor Magic!

Motor Magic is an all weekend affair, September 4-7th, that's Labor Day weekend and what better way to utilize and extra day off than spend some time in the last little bit of sunny weather. There will be Drag Racing, an Enduro Race, a Demolition Derby, Circle Track Racing, SCCA Autocross, Classic Car Show, Classic Car Auction, a Motorcycle Poker Run, Historical Military Vehicles AND MORE!

Check out the website for complete information! See you then!
http://www.motormagic.net/

Who is Freddie??

We all know that Freddie the Flickertail is the gregarious North Dakota State Fair mascot, however some of you may be asking yourselves…who is Freddie, how did he become the NDSF mascot, and what exactly is a Flickertail??? Here is an inside look into NDSF history.

Freddie came to us as a young tail. His family had been traveling with Murphy Brothers Circus for many generations. Freddie’s mother was the bearded lady and his father was the famous “Flick the Clown”. When Freddie turned 8 years old he went to his mother and told her he did not want to travel anymore. He had fallen in love with the North Dakota State Fair and he wanted to make it his permanent home. The Fair office was flattered and offered Freddie the high honor of being the NDSF mascot. Freddie’s parents were so proud that they let him stay and, of course, they see Freddie every year at Fair time.

What a coincidence that North Dakota is nicknamed the Flickertail State and Freddie is a Flickertail! North Dakota seems to attract these creatures, which may be why Freddie decided to stay. According to Wikipedia, the Richardson's ground squirrel, or the Flickertail, is a North American ground squirrel in the genus Spermophilus. Ground squirrels are sometimes called "Dak Rats" or "gophers". Like many ground squirrels, Freddie lives in a burrow on the Fair grounds when he is done with his annual mascot duties.

Freddie has called the North Dakota State Fair home every since we can remember. We are very lucky to have such a devoted mascot. Now that you know more about Freddie, be sure to wave next time you see him bouncing around the Fair grounds.

If you have pictures with our lovable mascot send them to ashley@ndstatefair.com to become our Pic of the Day!

Spud

Meet Spud. He is our pet grass head. The 4-H extension service table under the tent at Fox 24 Family Day was nice enough to allow us to participate in their activity and this is what we made. He was born Tuesday, July 28th, 2009. With in days he was already showing maturity in his germination and sprouted some wise little hairs.

Fairwell to the ND State Fair!!!

What A Ride is right!!! That is exactly what my summer felt like and would not change it for the world! For the past 3 months, I have been a marketing intern here at the North Dakota State Fair. I remember my first few day here when they gave me my list of projects to tackle for the Fair. I was in shock because I thought there was no way I would be able to plan over fifteen different events in two short months. Now that the Fair is over and I am in my final hours, I look back and said to myself why was I freaking out, it was not that bad. I had time to spare. Ok more like hours to spare. Throughout everything, I always had a smile on my face and loved to get up every morning and come to work. It has been truly a great experience and I have learned a great deal. I could not have done it without my other half, intern # .5, Ashley!! Thanks for so many great memories!

Devin
Intern #1

Grandstand Demolition

The Grandstand is shrinking and the demolition crews sure aren't working slow. The demolition is expected to be completed soon so that construction can begin. It is an awefully amazing process and the tractors have a way of appearing graceful as they destroy thousands of pounds of steal. The series of photos seen here depict the original grandstand as it stood during the Fair just two short weeks ago, one of yesterday early and late afternoon and one taken just moments ago, today August 13th, 2009.

The North Dakota State Fair Wants Your Opinion

(Minot, ND) The 2009 North Dakota State Fair was packed with incredible concerts, top-rated exhibits, crazy contests and delicious Fair food. Officials are now seeking input to make the Fair even bigger and better in 2010. “We are constantly looking for ways to improve the Fair experience for attendees and the best way to do that is by getting their opinions,” said Bob Wagoner, General Manager. An online e-survey welcomes Fairgoers to share comments and suggestions from their experience at this summer’s Fair. “Even individuals who were unable to attend the 2009 event are encouraged to participate in the survey,” said Wagoner.

Visit www.ndstatefair.com/survey/ to access and complete the survey. Individuals who do not have Internet access can call the State Fair Office at 857-7620 to complete the survey. Everyone who completes the questionnaire will be entered for a chance to win concert tickets to the 2010 North Dakota State Fair. Survey responses will be accepted until August 31, 2009.

Dates for the 2010 North Dakota State Fair are July 23- 31. As North Dakota’s largest annual event, it delivers nine days of concerts, 4-H and FFA exhibits, commercial booths, motor events, rodeo, livestock and food. For more information call 701-857-7620 or visit http://www.ndstatefair.com/

Wahl Walkabout Tour with Clinton Anderson

Want to be the best rider that you can be? Like your horses to be safer and more respectful? Looking for new training techniques? Join world-renowned trainer and RFD-TV personality Clinton Anderson at a Wahl Walkabout Tour on August 22-23, 2009! Each of the tour stops is a non-stop, no-holds barred, two day learning packed equine extravaganza you won't want to miss. Tickets are available on his website http://www.downunderhorsemanship.com/index.cfm for $25 in advance!

Judges Sniff Out A Winner

Our first annual Odor Eaters Rotten Sneaker Contest was a smelly success. A total of 12 kids signed up to participate in this event and all of them had very stinky shoes. The judges reluctantly took a big whiff and announced Mike Caswell the winner. Fifteen year old Mike told the crowd that his sneakers became rotten after working on a garbage truck. His mom also told the judges that his shoes have to ride in the trunk when they make car trips. Mike and his mom will travel to Vermont to compete in the National competition later this March. Thanks to all who participated, especially Odor Eaters and 97KICKS FM for sponsoring this event.

North Country Mercantile Barnyard Olympics

Eight contestants competed to see who was the best farm hand at the 2009 ND State Fair. To kick off the event was a wheel barrow race. Weaving in and out of six orange cones and coming out on top was Tyler Vollmer. Next up was a bale throw. Each person forked a bale of straw with a pick fork and chucked it as far as they could. It had to pass 10ft to be counted. Tyson Reiter picked his way into first with a 21ft 7in. throw. Oh then there was the animal calling contest where everyone drew an animal out of the hat and mimic that animal. We had everything from a rabbit to a pig to a duck! Also, bonus points were awarded if the contestants showed up in farmer joe attire. Congratulations to all that won and thanks for a good show!

1st Tyler Vollmer
2nd Dennis Burrer

3rd Mitchell Becker