State Fair Responds to Public Concerns

Recent events at the North Dakota State Fair have raised many questions within our community and state. As the State Fair’s acting manager, I want to directly address these concerns. I’ve been with the State Fair for the past thirty-five years and I’ve never known North Dakota to let our Fair down.  


Let me be clear: The North Dakota State Fair is deeply committed to bringing in the biggest names in entertainment. Our staff and board are unwavering in providing a concert line-up that is second to none. This was, of course, the driving push behind the construction of the Fair’s new grandstand. Countless individuals from across the state and community leaders made this project a reality. North Dakota taxpayers made an investment in this project and I can promise them that they will get a return on their investment.  


I can also assure all Fairgoers that we will do everything we can to ensure that our State Fair remains affordable. Due to our state’s small population it is important that Fairgoers visit more than once. The current show pass allows us to draw people back for second and third visits at a price that would normally be paid for only one concert ticket.  This is important to the Fair’s financial success. And we will continue to do all that we can to keep the Fair affordable to families.  

Affordability and top-notch entertainment are not mutually exclusive and neither is putting on a Fair that has something for everyone. Our State Fair’s roots are, like our state’s roots, in agriculture; they always will be. But staying true to our roots doesn’t mean that we cannot have the best in concerts, motor events, carnival rides, shows, food, vendors and exhibits. The work of putting on the best possible State Fair requires us to provide the best possible experience for all ages and for everyone across North Dakota.  


The State Fair Board deserves credit for laying out the vision that has resulted in the Fair’s success in recent years. That success has been the result of the hard work of a team of professionals, many who don’t receive the recognition, but who have made this vision a reality. From the Fair board to the office staff to the groundskeepers to our marketing team, ours has been, and will remain, a collaborative effort. The work of the Fair is bigger than any one person and everyone can be assured that our work to provide the finest, most affordable, event in the state and region will continue without interruption.  


Sincerely,

Renae Korslien 
Interim General Manager,  
North Dakota State Fair