MDN FIle Photo

Glowing lights, towering ferris wheels and multistory amusement rides will grace the Magic City skyline, today through July 29, during the 2017 North Dakota State Fair.

Nicknamed “The Place Where Summer Shines,” the State Fair has this year attracted some of the biggest names in music entertainment this year including Jason Aldean, the 2017 Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year, and eight-time Grammy Award-winning superstar Fergie.

Tonight at 8 p.m., country legends Little Big Town, will kick off the annual celebration, as they perform a variety of smash hits including their Grammy-nominated single “Little White Church” at the Grandstand.

In addition to featuring vocal powerhouses Brothers Osborne, Lonestar, Paramore, X Ambassadors and Thomas Rhett, the State Fair will hosts an array of intense and fun competitions.

Today, visitors can showcase their ability to consume massive amounts of food at the watermelon eating contest or cast their vote for best State Fair vendor in the annual food frenzy contest.

For competitors who prefer to demonstrate their artistic talents, there is the kid’s cupcake deocorating contest and crowd pleasing karoke contest.

From displaying feats of muscular strength in this year’s arm wrestling contest to watching local celebrities attempt to dethrone the Minot Daily News in the State Fair cow milking championship, there’s plenty of awards and bragging rights to be shared during the State Fair.

For more information about competitions, visit online at www.ndstatefair.com/fun/special-events-contests.

While many fairgoers compete for State Fair glory, others may seek an opportunity to enjoy free events.

Children are welcomed to witness the exciting world of pig racing at Stage 4 during Daryl’s Racing Pigs before going on a fun adventure with CAP’N ARRR, a comedic pirate.

To learn more about the free entertainment at the State Fair, visit online at www.ndstatefair.com/fun/free-stage-entertainment.

After experiencing the captivating sights of sky-high amusement rides and colossal buckets of cheese curds, spectators can enjoy the pride and pageantry of FFA and 4-H, as they participate in daily competition.

During this celebration of agriculture, science and engineering, more than 8,000 exhibits will be featured between the two historic organizations.

From Lisbon to Zap, junior competitors consider the State Fair as an unofficial holiday, that celebrates the warmth of summer and the thrill of competition.

Over the span of nine days, fairgoers can witness talented handlers present majestic cattle, breathtaking horses and a wide range of remarkably trained animals before observing numerous plants, produce and inventions prepared by competitors across the state.

This year, all eyes will be on Des Lacs, after its competitors dominated the 2016 Junior Beef Show, by winning five grand championships and nearly sweeping the Best Overall Class by taking 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th places.

After viewing the talents of North Dakota’s 4-H and FFA members, fairgoers are invited to explore a wealth of locally grown produce, meats and preserves during Pride of Dakota Day, Monday.

Beneath a towering tent are locally made treasures ranging from exquisite jewelry, exhilarating books, creamy custard pies and decorative crafts.

From featuring Grammy Award winning artists to providing nine days of family-fun entertainment, this year’s State Fair looks to uphold its summertime promise.

To learn more about the 2017 North Dakota State Fair, visit online at www.ndstate