It was good to hear some news concerning the North Dakota State Fair that didn't include cost estimates for repairing flood damage, diking or canceling the event completely.
The State Fair announced its entertainment lineup for the 2012 event this week, and following a year when the entire event was canceled, it was welcome news indeed.
Performing on stage at the Grandstand this year will be Kid Rock, Zac Brown Band, Luke Bryan, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Chris Young, Blake Shelton and Foreigner.
But more important than any one performer coming to the fair is the fact that such an announcement serves notice that Minot is moving forward following the disastrous flood of 2011. The announcement means buildings and facilities have been or are being repaired, and the State Fairgrounds will again host thousands of people every day of the 2012 event. Come July 20, the fairgrounds and the city will once again be alive with the sounds, sights, smells and tastes of the North Dakota State Fair.