MINOT, N.D. -- The North Dakota State Fair is marking its 50th anniversary with a special day to mark the occasion, and a lineup of entertainment including such musical superstars as Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban and Aerosmith.
About 315,000 people are expected to flood the fairgrounds to join in the nine-day celebration, which starts today and runs through July 25.
A special “50 percent off day” to mark 50 years will be Tuesday when there will be 50 percent off the gate admission with a Coke product, at various food and product vendors, for a carnival wristband, and for the IMCA modified and stock car races at the grandstand.
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Layne Pfiiger, a marketing intern for the fair from Washburn also said longtime state fair publicist Cleo Cantlon has put together a 50th anniversary history book that will be for sale.
The book will look back at many of the major events over the years, including the years when the had the national barn dance event at the fair.
“It’s amazing how the far has evolved, but it’s also nice to know that some of the same things are here year after year. For example, the ag competition has always been here and has been growing. Last year we had 45,000 entries,” Pfiiger said.
One of the fastest growing competitions is the goat show, she said, which the youth really seem to enjoy showing.
The grandstand shows also are a major attraction at the fair every year, and this year offers a wide range of talent. Country superstar Miranda Lambert will kick off the grandstand tonight at 8 p.m. with her show. The grandstand lineup for the other nine days includes the alternative rock band Seether on Saturday night, country singer Chase Rice on Sunday night, the Enduro Race Monday night, the IMCA car races Tuesday night, country star Kellie Pickler on Wednesday night, Nashville recording artists and country newcomer Kip Moore on Thursday night. Closing out the anniversary event next weekend will be four-time Grammy winner and American Idol judge Keith Urban Friday night and the popular Aerosmith the final night.
Tickets are still available for all of the shows at the 18,000 capacity grandstand, Pfiiger said.
Camping spots, however, are nearly filled up, although some primitive spots remain.
The gate price for the fair is $8 with a nine-day pass available for $25.
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For more information, the state fair website is ndstatefair.com.
