Curio |

On This Day | It’s Fair Time!

* * WITH DANCING EVENINGS * * FAIRGROUNDS PAVILION -- July 19, 1951 | The Ward County Independent Why We Chose It It's Minot's biggest event, and it's been the "State Fair" in spirit for a lot longer than we've had the[...]

Curio |

How a rainy day gave birth to the corn dog

The corn dog’s story is pure Americana: a humble hot dog, dipped in batter and fried to golden perfection, with a history that winds from German immigrants in Texas to Route 66 diners and state fairs nationwide. It’s a food that thrives[...]

News |

60 years of ND State Fair

The North Dakota State Fair is back — and longtime fairgoers will notice some updates this year. From smoother ticketing with self-serve kiosks and cashless food vendors to improved lighting and walkways, organizers are working hard to make the fair more convenient[...]

Curio |

On This Day | U.S. Navy Lights Up Northwest Fair

Four huge navy searchlights, casting their beams far into the night sky, form an entirely new feature at the Northwest fair. -- July 6, 1933 | The Ward County Independent Why We Chose It If you keep reading, you'll learn they could[...]

Curio |

On This Day | One State Fair

At the present time, according to law, North Dakota does not have a State Fair. We have 3 district events at Fargo, Minot, and Grand Forks. North Dakota is an agriculturally based state, but yet we don't' have a state show window[...]

Curio |

On This Day | Fireworks on the Fourth!

Fireworks on the Fourth! -- June 13, 1946 | The Ward County Independent Why We Chose It The event was not officially sanctioned as the "State Fair" by the state until 1966, but locally, we knew better much earlier :) And though[...]

Curio |

On This Day | Horse Racing at the Fair

Twelve race horses, including some of the fastest harness equines in the northwest, will arrive in Minot sometime this week to be trained for the season at the Northwest Fair track. -- May 28, 1931 | The Ward County Independent Why We[...]

Curio |

On This Day | South of the Border

With a Real Mexican Bull Fight -- May 30, 1940 | The Ward County Independent Why We Chose It Perhaps there's an idea for our twenty-first century fair... with the success of the MHA Indian Horse Relay, maybe there's a vein to[...]

News |

State Fair funding ban questioned

A bill to fund upgrades at the North Dakota State Fair sailed through the Senate but ran into legal roadblocks in the House—namely, a long-standing law that bars state dollars from supporting fair operations. Lawmakers backing the $1.9 million proposal say it's[...]

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Minot region remains hopeful for Canadian tourism

Despite new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, Minot’s tourism leaders remain hopeful that cross-border friendships will endure. While some Canadians have expressed frustration and reconsidered travel plans, many still see value in visiting for shopping, entertainment, and events like the North Dakota[...]

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Luke Bryan Announced as Closing Act at 2025 NDSF

The North Dakota State Fair is ramping up excitement for its 2025 lineup, announcing that Luke Bryan will headline the Country Showpass on Saturday, July 26. Known for his energetic performances and a catalog featuring 31 number-one singles, Bryan is set to[...]