For some people, the appeal of the North Dakota State Fair is the carnival games and rides. For others, it’s the food, the commercial buildings, concerts and entertainment. For still others, it is special events, presentations and resource booths, which benefits from this year’s addition of “Remembering Our Fallen,” a traveling photo memorial honoring military members who died during the War on Terror, as well as the enrichment and education offered by the innovative Pollinator plot, among others.

However, any visit to the fair should include taking in the competitive exhibits, most of which represent the efforts of young people.

Those who submit to the fair for competition have put a lot of work into their efforts. This is true of everything from fine art to agricultural/animal contests. Even if it is a category that one might not have any particular interest, the opportunity to encounter proud participants will be appealing. Watching youths show off the animals they raised and care for is a priceless experience. Submissions in other categories (youth and adult) show off the talent of students and other North Dakotans.

Stephanie Schoenrock, director of Development and Communication told a Chamber of Commerce committee recently that every year, more than 46,000 projects from 4-H, FFA and open class are brought to the fair to be judged. Furthermore she said that agriculture and 4-H and FFA “are the absolute heart and soul of the fair…”

Some can probably remember state fairs in rural areas in general revolving almost entirely around agriculture and animal exhibits and various projects submitted from school-age children. These were the chief attractions at one point in many communities.

Obviously NDSF and other state fairs have evolved and added attractions over the years. NDSF has a wide enough array that one would be hard-pressed to see even the static exhibits in a single day.

Still, whatever it is that brings one to the fair, don’t miss the competitive works from North Dakotans ranging from show pigs and the Bunny Barn to arts, crafts, baking and more.

It’s the backbone of the fair.