Kim Fundingsland/MDN The North Dakota State Fair annual meeting was held at the State Fair Center Wednesday. Due to very cold weather and the cancellation of the 2020 fair, attendance was visibly less than in previous years.

Following the cancellation of the 2020 North Dakota State Fair due to COVID-19, the hope is that the fair will return later this year. The annual meeting of the State Fair Board was held Wednesday at the State Fair Center in Minot.

John Fjeldahl, Ward County commissioner and member of the All Seasons Arena board, told the gathering that, “It’s been an interesting year to say the least. I hope everything comes together.”

Fjeldahl was referring to hopes that the State Fair would be held as scheduled July 23-31 this year. He was not alone in that thought. John MacMartin, Minot Area Chamber EDC, told the group that he was, “looking forward to having the fair back in July.”

Attendance at the meeting was noticeably less than it has been the past several years, something State Fair President Gary Knell attributed to the cold weather and the fact that there was no 2020 State Fair to summarize.

4-H has always been a big part of the State Fair. Dean Aakre, state 4-H office, said he “anticipates good participation once we get rolling” and that “we look forward to the next fair.”

Aakre’s message to the group was similar to that of Aaron Anderson from state FFA.

“We are hoping for over 20,000 exhibits again. We’re really excited about that,” remarked Anderson. “Our kids are starving for activities.”

Anderson added that FFA has a record 6,296 members in North Dakota.

Fair Manager Renae Korslien addressed the gathering, saying “It’s been a rough year” and noted the situation due to COVID was much different than when the fair was canceled in the flood year of 2011.

“We could see the water. This situation is a whole lot different with all the calls to cancel and postpone events,” said Korslien. “By May 1 we had no choice but to cancel the fair.”

There are a number of events on the schedule for the State Fair Center beginning in March, including an Ag Show, Sports Show and Home and Garden Show.

“Back to normal? Can we say that?” wondered Korslien.