The North Dakota State Fair and the North Dakota State Parade bring thousands of visitors to Minot from all across the state, other states, Canada and other foreign countries.

This year’s State Fair opens today and runs through Saturday, July 27.

Celebrating its 59th year as a state fair, this is a cherished tradition in Minot. Even prior to hosting the official state fair of North Dakota, Minot has had a fair since the 1920s.

Last year’s fair made headlines with an all-time high of 356,534 visitors, up 13% from the previous year’s numbers, according to reported fair attendance for 2023. The previous record was 320,486 visitors in 2013. It’s likely this year’s fair’s attendance will bring in high numbers as well.

This will be Craig Rudland’s first fair as its general manager. It’s not his first fair, though. He has more than 40 years of experience with the fair.

The North Dakota State Parade, an entity separate from the fair, is Saturday, starting at 9:15 a.m. at the corner of Broadway and Burdick Expressway. From there the parade travels east on Burdick and then through the fairgrounds. Thousands of people line the route, where they will see nearly 190 units in the parade.

Some new features have been added to the fair, including the addition of metal detectors at all gates and a playground in the West Park area.

The fair, recognized as the largest event in North Dakota, and the parade, one of the largest parades in the state, are major events in the city of Minot and make a significant economic impact on this community – hotels, restaurants, convenience stores and many other businesses.

With a focus on agriculture, the State Fair provides an opportunity for 4-H, FFA and open class exhibitors to show their hard work, skills and talents while competing for awards.

Fair visitors also can enjoy the diverse range of activities, entertainment, etc., during the nine days.

Welcome everyone to Minot for the North Dakota State Fair and the North Dakota State Parade.

We hope you enjoy your time in Minot.