The Run the Route Run/Walk will commence today at 8:45 a.m. Prizes will be distributed to the top male and female finishers, but all ages are encouraged to participate. Location: Our Redeemer’s Church, 700 16th Avenue SE.

The Pony Pull will also take place today. Two ponies will comprise each team, and their combined weight will determine whether they compete in the lightweight or heavyweight classes. The top nine teams will receive cash prizes, and the event will run from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Location: Heritage Hall.

Draft Horse teams come from across the state to participate in classes like Log Skidding, Cloverleaf and the Obstacle Course. Those events will begin at 5:30 p.m. tonight and several Hitch classes will take center stage at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow. Location: All Seasons Arena.

The always-popular Horse Pull will happen tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Large horse draft teams will attempt to pull the heaviest load. The top nine teams will earn cash prizes. Location: All Seasons Arena.

Ashton Gerard/MDN Team Roping and other traditional western events can be found at the North Dakota State Fair.

Tomorrow, the heat will turn up as contestants participate in Wing King Dante’s Inferno Challenge. Participants will consume wings based on a different pepper and will work their way up through nine levels. The winner will receive concert tickets, and all participants will win prizes presented by the Minnesota Wing King. The contest will last from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Location: Dakota Talent Stage.

On Monday, July 22, children will have their chance to shine. Contestants aged 2-6 will attempt to bounce their way to victory in the Hippity Hop Barrel Race. The race will be split between two age groups, and the participant with the fastest time will be crowned the winner. The event will take place from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Location: Dakota Talent Stage.

Tuesday, July 23, will provide more fun for the whole family. The Diaper Derby & Toddler Trot will include crawlers (12 months and younger, born after June 20, 2018) and trotters (24 months and younger, born after June 20, 2017). These aspiring speedsters will race their parents to the finish line. The contest begins at 1 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m. Location: Dakota Talent Stage.

Children will have the opportunity to pull miniature tractors on Tuesday. The Kids’ Tractor Pedal Pull’s winners will be eligible to participate in the state-sanctioned Tractor Pedal Pull Championship later this summer. Registration will begin at 1:30 p.m. and the pulling will start at 2 p.m. Location: Front of KX Building.

Mosbrucker bulls and broncs will take on daring riders on Monday and Tuesday. This year, Ranch Bronc Riding was added to the NPRA Championship Bull Riding Event. The action will begin at 7 p.m., and all seating is general admission. Adult admission is $16, and children (7-12) admission is $6. Children ages 6 and under are free if no seat is required. If your child wants a seat, admission is $6. Location: All Seasons Arena.

Enduro Races and Outlaw Enduro Races will offer high-speed action on Monday and Tuesday. The car which completes the laps the fastest will win its respective race. The Outlaw Enduros boast higher horsepower engines and will race under limited rules. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the races will start at 7 p.m. Location: Nodak Speedway.

Youngsters will take their talents to the NDSF Show De O on Wednesday afternoon. The event is comprised of four age divisions and five junior rodeo competitions.The event will last from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Location: Heritage Hall.

On Wednesday, July 24, contestants of all ages will milk dairy cows at the Milk a Cow Contest. Participants will try to milk their buckets with the most milk in a 30-second span. Milking the artificial cow will begin at 4 p.m. and end at 5:30 p.m. Location: Expo Barn.

Mutton Bustin’ will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. Young cowboys and cowgirls will try to hang on as they ride sheep. This event will serve as the pre-show to the Ranch Rodeo. Location: All Seasons Arena.

The Ranch Rodeo’s activities include team mugging, trailer loading, wild cow milking and more. The Rodeo’s tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for ages 7-12. Ages 6 and under are free. Location: All Seasons Arena.

The Minot State University Athletic Department will host a 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament on Friday, July 26, and Saturday, July 27. Ball players from around the state will duke it out in the competition. Friday’s action starts at noon and Saturday’s games will begin at 9 a.m. Boys and girls from grades 5-12 and adult men and women will play in the tournament. Location: North of Commercial II.

Saturday will determine who owns the strongest arm in North Dakota. Weigh-ins for the 2019 North Dakota State Arm Wrestling Competition will start at 10:30 a.m. and the wrestling will begin at 1 p.m. Both men’s and women’s categories will participate. Location: Dakota Talent Stage.

Jimmy Lafakis covers Minot High School sports and Class B high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @JJLII30.