2008 North Dakota State Fair Parade

Kim Fundingsland/MDN -- No parade would be complete without an assortment of vintage automobiles and this year’s State Fair Parade didn’t disappoint.

It was smiles and sounds, children and clowns. It was free, and it was fun. It was the North Dakota State Fair Parade held Saturday morning in Minot.

A large crowd gathered along the entire parade route on Burdick Expressway despite moderately cool temperatures and ominous skies. However, it wouldn’t rain on this parade. Sunshine broke through shortly after the parade began and added to the enjoyment of the event. A total of 214 entries gave parade watchers plenty of entertainment.

For many of the watchers that lined the route, it was lawn chair living at its best.

Country star shines at State Fair

Performers high in the air wow crowds on the ground

The crowd held its breath as Sam Johnson performed a handstand atop a giant sway pole, close to 100 feet above the air.

Curlers managing the malt wagon at fair

By the end of the North Dakota State Fair, volunteers from the Minot Curling Club will be as polished at selling milk, shakes and ice cream as the granite stones they skip during a bonspiel.