MINOT, N.D.—2022 was a year for the books at the North Dakota State Fair. Following an incredible year in 2021, the North Dakota State Fair saw visitors this year from across United States and Canada, to enjoy the food, rides, concerts, livestock, and North Dakota culture on display. Attendance this year totaled 314,271 over the nine days of the Fair which is up 3,586 from 2021.
“It was a great fair for us! We were blessed with mild temperatures 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 80’s and sunny and the evenings were perfect for enjoying the rides, shopping, food, concerts, and meeting friends at the North Dakota State Fair. We were so excited to have the Budweiser Clydesdales with us and on display all 9 days. They were the perfect addition this year!”
Another contributing factor to this year’s growth was the outstanding athleticism of the MHA Indian Horse Relay. Brand new this year, the MHA Indian Horse Relay took to the grandstand to watch the finest relay teams across the country perform for the first, second, third, and fourth place prize. During the event and change over between heats, the MHA dancers took the big stage and provided entertainment to showcase the MHA heritage, tradition and culture.
Crabtree Amusements was up 10 percent, and back with incredible rides that proved to be a hit. 4-H and FFA also filled the ND State Fair Center, and livestock barns with static exhibits and livestock all 9 days. FFA was up in exhibits this year as well! We also can’t forget about our commercial vendors, from food to shopping, they showcased some of the hottest and newest products out today from lakeside docks, to machinery, to gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. Vendor sales and food sales were great overall. The North Dakota State Fair Center also held events every day from the horse and pony pull, to livestock shows, to bull and ranch bronc riding, and ranch rodeos! Lastly, we can’t forget about our free stage entertainment, from music, to chain saw artists, to a team of high dive performers located throughout the fair for the duration of the 9 days.
The North Dakota State Fair Grandstand also brought back some of the latest and greatest names in the music industry today! From Cody Johnson, Old Dominion, Koe Wetzel and Nelly, and Sam Hunt, the grandstands were sure to fill up fast! The North Dakota State Fair also held its first annual Hometown Sound Competition on Wednesday, July 27, opening up the show for Will Banister. Young in a Million featuring local artist Kody Ternes, was your 2022 Hometown Sound Competition Winner. Roaring into Monday, July 25, the demolition derby also was back for first time in 10 years!
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 Exhibitor drop down to find those results. Thank you for making the 2022 North Dakota State Fair a huge success, and we look forward to seeing you July 21-29, 2023!