Submitted Photo Artist Jelly Roll, center, holding a Minot State University jersey, stands between Dr. Steven Shirley, left, MSU president, and Kevin Harmon, right, vice president for Student Affairs and Intercollegiate Athletics, during a visit to the MSU Wellness Center to play basketball on Sunday. Photo from Minot State University.

Before taking to the stage at the North Dakota State Fair’s Grandstand on Sunday, award-winning, GRAMMY-nominated artist Jelly Roll made a stop at the Minot State University Wellness Center.

There, Jelly Roll (real name Jason DeFord) played basketball with his band and tour members for an hour and a half, according to MSU information.

That evening, Jelly Roll performed at a sold-out concert before 18,000 fans at the fair. This was his second appearance there, according to fair officials.

“Jelly Roll is one of those artists who brings people together,” said Craig Rudland, State Fair manager. “You could feel the connection between him and the crowd. It was an incredible night and we’re so proud to have hosted him again.”

The audience spanned generations including young children attending with their parents, and longtime fans to new ones.

The show was complete with pyrotechnics during one of his songs and a grand finale that lit up the night sky with a fireworks display.

Jelly Roll ignited the crowd when he told the audience it was his second time at the fair and that he would come back “anytime he was asked.”

On Tuesday, the North Dakota State Fair and the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation made the decision to cancel the MHA Indian Horse Relay due to significant rainfall resulting in track conditions. Officials determined that continuing with the event would pose unnecessary risk to both participants and animals.

“We know how much our guests and the riders look forward to this event,” Rudland said. “This was not an easy decision, but the safety of all involved must come first. We’re incredibly grateful to MHA Nation for their partnership and to the fans for their understanding.”