2018 North Dakota State Fair Shines Brightest in Minot

2018 was a monumental year for the North Dakota State Fair.  Visitors from across North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana, Canada, and other states came to the North Dakota State Fairgrounds in Minot to enjoy the food, rides, concerts, and North Dakota culture on display.  Attendance this year totaled 318,248 over the nine days of the Fair, an increase of 19,171 from 2017. 

“We had a super Fair! We were blessed with perfect weather and a team of dedicated staff who executed a great plan,” said Renae Korslien, North Dakota State Fair Manager.  The weather over the course of the nine days was in the 70's and was mostly sunny throughout, making it the ideal weather for enjoying the rides, shopping, food, and concerts at the North Dakota State Fair.  

Another contributing factor to this year’s growth was the tremendous free stage entertainment.  The 9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit was an unforgettable experience unlike any other at the Fair.  Hearing the harrowing stories from the first responders was incredibly moving, and fairgoers left the exhibit with a new appreciation and understanding of our first responders.  Daryl’s Racing Pigs was once again one of the most well-attended free stage activities.  The Doo Wah Riders were a favorite on Stage 2 with their high energy country.  The Kachunga Alligator Show was a fun and informative show about alligators.  Other free stage activities, like the Majestik Spectacular stunt show, the Disc-connected K9’s, the Zuzu African Acrobats, Fur Traders Rendevouz and ND Game & Fish were all well attended and enjoyed by fairgoers of every age.

Nickelback was the most attended concert of the North Dakota State Fair, with 16,626 people filling the Grandstand and standing room areas.  Other impressive concert numbers include 11,876 for Dierks Bentley, 10,846 for Florida Georgia Line, 8,159 for Cole Swindell, 6,895 for Kip Moore, 5,286 for Michael Ray, and 4,211 for Cheap Trick. 

If you’re interested in finding results to any of the events or exhibits, they are being posted as we received them.  Please visit www.ndstatefair.com and click on the Daily News link under the Plan tab to find those results.  Thank you for making the 2018 North Dakota State Fair a huge success, and we look forward to seeing you July 19-27 for the 2019 North Dakota State Fair!