North Dakota Fair Canceled

Officials with the North Dakota State Fair in Minot decided July 9 to cancel this year’s event scheduled for July 22-30 because of flooding from the Souris River that isn’t receding fast enough.

Fair officials had planned ahead by putting together a pared-down version of the event – no parade, no commercial exhibits – so the fair could still go on. However, recent rains made it impossible to know whether the fairgrounds would dry out and it wasn’t possible to move the event.

This is reportedly the first time the event hasn’t taken place since 1965.

“I feel disappointment in that we’re not going to have a fair but also a little relief for the pressure it would have put on the community,” Minot Mayor Curt Zimbelman said. “It’s very disappointing, but I think the people of North Dakota will understand.”

The fair’s concert schedule included Tracy Lawrence, Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Charlie Daniels Band, Toby Keith and Pat Benatar & Neil Girardo.

Refunds to ticket holders are under way.

Meanwhile, fair officials announced the North Dakota State Fair will return next year July 20-28.