For nine days each July, our community welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the state and beyond to experience everything that makes North Dakota so special. This year’s fair, held July 17-25, continued a tradition that generations have looked forward to year after year. Whether you’ve attended since childhood or you’re experiencing it for the very first time, there’s something about the fair that leaves a lasting impression.
The North Dakota State Fair isn’t just another event on the calendar. It’s tradition.
Ask five people what keeps them coming back, and you’ll probably get five different answers.
Some will tell you it’s the concerts under the summer sky. There’s something special about hearing thousands of people singing along together, followed by the roar of the crowd every time an artist mentions they’re happy to be in Minot.
Other fair goers won’t leave without grabbing their favorite fair food. The famous 12-foot corn dogs, strawberry funnel cakes, and jalapeño pizza have become traditions all on their own. Even if it means standing in a long line, the Rudy Family will tell you it’s worth every minute.
For many kids, the fair is pure magic.
The bright lights, carnival rides, games, prizes, and excitement seem to wait around every corner. Small business owner of Everlinked by Kelsey, military spouse Kelsey Rudy shared that for her 3-year-old daughter Avery, “Particularly she loves going on every year is the carousel, where she can pick her favorite animal to ride!”
Some of the best fair moments can be found walking through the livestock barns and seeing months of dedication proudly displayed by local youth. Veteran and military spouse Corrin Bruce shared, “We also spent a bunch of time in the 4-H area with all the animals. All of the farmers and people are so kind and sweet to inform us and give us information about the animals.” She said it quickly became her favorite part of the fair, a place that reminded her of home while navigating a remote PCS to Minot.
Handmade quilts, Beautiful woodworking, Incredible photography and Fresh baked goods. Artwork that reflects the creativity and talent found throughout North Dakota. These displays often don’t receive the same attention as the rides or concerts, but they deserve just as much appreciation. They represent countless hours of dedication and passion.
Complete strangers strike up conversations while admiring the same display. Families pause to encourage young exhibitors. Volunteers greet visitors with smiles. Before you know it, those strangers begin to feel more like neighbors.
That’s what makes the North Dakota State Fair so much more than entertainment.
It’s military families making memories together before another PCS changes their address. It’s small business owners proudly sharing products they’ve poured their hearts into creating. It’s volunteers giving their time because they believe in serving their community. It’s emergency personnel quietly working behind the scenes to keep everyone safe while allowing thousands of people to simply enjoy themselves.
We’re simply people gathered together to celebrate a season, support one another, and enjoy one of North Dakota’s greatest traditions.
Year after year, the North Dakota State Fair welcomes more than 300,000 visitors while celebrating the agriculture, businesses, talent, and people that make this state unique. It serves as a reminder that community isn’t something we talk about, it’s something we experience together.
So when next July rolls around, I encourage you to slow down.
Watch the kids laugh as they climb onto their favorite ride. Cheer for the young exhibitors showing animals they’ve spent months raising. Try something you’ve never eaten before. Support a local vendor. Take a little extra time to admire the exhibits. Strike up a conversation with the person standing beside you.
Years from now, you may not remember exactly what you ate or which ride was your favorite.
But you’ll probably remember how it felt.
You’ll remember the laughter, the music, the smell of fair food in the air, and the feeling of being surrounded by a community that comes together year after year.
Because that’s what the North Dakota State Fair has always done best.
