2009 NDSF Annual Meeting

On Wednesday, November 18th, the North Dakota State Fair welcomed 18 guests and 68 delegates to its Annual Meeting at the State Fair Center in Minot. Gary Knell, State Fair Board President, began the meeting with a short welcome on behalf of the City of Minot and by introducing the eight State Fair board members whom he serves alongside. The board members in attendance included Charles Meikle of Spiritwood, Lee Ann Karsky of Dickinson, Kandi Mikkelson of Minot, Neil Fleming of Cavalier, Dennis Wendel of LaMoure, Connie Hanson of Devils Lake, Butch Haugland of Ambrose and Kelly Hanson of Hannaford.

The annual report and audit were reviewed by State Fair Manager, Bob Wagoner. Wagoner also went over 2009 State Fair highlights and complimented the staff for their work on the record setting Fair. Wagoner predicts another successful Fair for 2010, which is scheduled for July 23 through July 31.

Each year the State Fair Board of Directors nominates individuals to receive the State Fair's highest level of honor and recognition by being chosen as a North Dakota State Fair Honorary Member. This year Senator Karen Krebsbach of Minot and Tim Clark of Fargo were both awarded this honor.

The State Fair is exceptionally grateful for Senator Krebsbach's on-going support of all things State Fair. Krebsbach led the charge helping rally support for the State funding of the Grandstand. Tim Clark served on the North Dakota State Fair Board for more than 16 years. Representing District 2, he took a special interest in keeping agriculture at the heart of the Fair.

Other business covered at the annual meeting included the re-election of three board members. Neil Fleming, Connie Hanson and Gary Knell will serve another term representing their districts. Jerry Iverson, former North Dakota State Fair Manager and current Grandstand Project Manager, was in attendance to provide an update on the grandstand construction progress. Iverson stated the exceptional weather has been the key attribute for keeping the project on schedule and within budget. Iverson also commented on the uniqueness of this project as a construction manager has been hired and 27 different bid requests have been utilized to ensure not only adherence to the budget but also ensure the completion by July 1, 2010.

Dates for the 2010 North Dakota State Fair are July 23-31. We’re hoping to announce our 2010 concert lineup in January! More information is available at www.ndstatefair.com.