It’s coming. If you’re like me, you’re starting to look forward to seeing family and friends, and making new friends. Maybe your mouth is already watering for the endless variety of tasty treats, and the familiar smells are awakening your senses.

Yep, it’s almost time for the North Dakota State Fair.

This year, the Fair runs July 23-31, and if history holds true, hundreds of thousands of people will make their way to Minot for the festivities. Some will come for the concerts and other entertainment. Others will come for the food. Many will come for the 4-H and FFA exhibits. Whatever their reason for coming to Minot, these visitors will be part of our community for those nine days, and it’s our responsibility to make sure they feel at home.

Throughout its history, the Fair has become synonymous with Minot. It’s a staple of our community, and every year we welcome the opportunity to showcase everything Minot has to offer. We’re proud of our city, and the options we offer for folks seeking one-of-a-kind shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences. We have unique establishments downtown and throughout our business community that will be waiting for our guests during Fair week, and the rest of the year, too.

This year promises to be special. Twice in the past decade, the Fair has been canceled: In 2011 because of the flood, and in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Not hosting the Fair those years provided a good lesson for all of us: Don’t take what we have for granted, because nothing is guaranteed. The cancellation of the Fair last year proved that. Now, with the Fair less than a week away, we’re reminded of the important role the event plays in our community and in our state.

North Dakota continues to offer a small-town feel to those of us who choose to call this state home. It’s one of the reasons we live here. Chances are if you attend the State Fair, you’ll run into family members or friends at the fairgrounds. Or you’ll see photographs submitted by someone you know, or a project built by someone from your hometown. That’s the essence of North Dakota, and the Fair is perhaps the grandest stage we have to experience our state’s sense of community spirit.

As Minot community members, let’s use this opportunity to welcome our visitors back to the State Fair, and more broadly, welcome them back to Minot. Let them know you’re glad they’re here. Share some ideas with them about places they should visit, whether it’s your favorite restaurant or place to grab a local beverage, a unique shopping experience, or a place to take their kids while they’re in town.

I’m proud of Minot’s role as host of the North Dakota State Fair, and I’m always amazed at how our residents embrace the thousands of visitors who come to Minot for this annual event. It’s an honor to serve as mayor of this community, and I appreciate the opportunity to again represent Minot in the State Fair Parade and while I’m attending events on the fairgrounds.

After a year’s absence, it feels good to say this again: See you at the Fair.

Sincerely, City Hall

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