Who is Freddie??

We all know that Freddie the Flickertail is the gregarious North Dakota State Fair mascot, however some of you may be asking yourselves…who is Freddie, how did he become the NDSF mascot, and what exactly is a Flickertail??? Here is an inside look into NDSF history.

Freddie came to us as a young tail. His family had been traveling with Murphy Brothers Circus for many generations. Freddie’s mother was the bearded lady and his father was the famous “Flick the Clown”. When Freddie turned 8 years old he went to his mother and told her he did not want to travel anymore. He had fallen in love with the North Dakota State Fair and he wanted to make it his permanent home. The Fair office was flattered and offered Freddie the high honor of being the NDSF mascot. Freddie’s parents were so proud that they let him stay and, of course, they see Freddie every year at Fair time.

What a coincidence that North Dakota is nicknamed the Flickertail State and Freddie is a Flickertail! North Dakota seems to attract these creatures, which may be why Freddie decided to stay. According to Wikipedia, the Richardson's ground squirrel, or the Flickertail, is a North American ground squirrel in the genus Spermophilus. Ground squirrels are sometimes called "Dak Rats" or "gophers". Like many ground squirrels, Freddie lives in a burrow on the Fair grounds when he is done with his annual mascot duties.

Freddie has called the North Dakota State Fair home every since we can remember. We are very lucky to have such a devoted mascot. Now that you know more about Freddie, be sure to wave next time you see him bouncing around the Fair grounds.

If you have pictures with our lovable mascot send them to ashley@ndstatefair.com to become our Pic of the Day!

Fairwell to the ND State Fair!!!

What A Ride is right!!! That is exactly what my summer felt like and would not change it for the world! For the past 3 months, I have been a marketing intern here at the North Dakota State Fair. I remember my first few day here when they gave me my list of projects to tackle for the Fair. I was in shock because I thought there was no way I would be able to plan over fifteen different events in two short months. Now that the Fair is over and I am in my final hours, I look back and said to myself why was I freaking out, it was not that bad. I had time to spare. Ok more like hours to spare. Throughout everything, I always had a smile on my face and loved to get up every morning and come to work. It has been truly a great experience and I have learned a great deal. I could not have done it without my other half, intern # .5, Ashley!! Thanks for so many great memories!

Devin
Intern #1

The North Dakota State Fair Wants Your Opinion

(Minot, ND) The 2009 North Dakota State Fair was packed with incredible concerts, top-rated exhibits, crazy contests and delicious Fair food. Officials are now seeking input to make the Fair even bigger and better in 2010. “We are constantly looking for ways to improve the Fair experience for attendees and the best way to do that is by getting their opinions,” said Bob Wagoner, General Manager. An online e-survey welcomes Fairgoers to share comments and suggestions from their experience at this summer’s Fair. “Even individuals who were unable to attend the 2009 event are encouraged to participate in the survey,” said Wagoner.

Visit www.ndstatefair.com/survey/ to access and complete the survey. Individuals who do not have Internet access can call the State Fair Office at 857-7620 to complete the survey. Everyone who completes the questionnaire will be entered for a chance to win concert tickets to the 2010 North Dakota State Fair. Survey responses will be accepted until August 31, 2009.

Dates for the 2010 North Dakota State Fair are July 23- 31. As North Dakota’s largest annual event, it delivers nine days of concerts, 4-H and FFA exhibits, commercial booths, motor events, rodeo, livestock and food. For more information call 701-857-7620 or visit http://www.ndstatefair.com/

Judges Sniff Out A Winner

Our first annual Odor Eaters Rotten Sneaker Contest was a smelly success. A total of 12 kids signed up to participate in this event and all of them had very stinky shoes. The judges reluctantly took a big whiff and announced Mike Caswell the winner. Fifteen year old Mike told the crowd that his sneakers became rotten after working on a garbage truck. His mom also told the judges that his shoes have to ride in the trunk when they make car trips. Mike and his mom will travel to Vermont to compete in the National competition later this March. Thanks to all who participated, especially Odor Eaters and 97KICKS FM for sponsoring this event.

Tractor Pedal Pull

We had a good turn out this year at the Kid's Pedal Pull. There were 9 different age groups, from 4 to 12 years old and about 8 kids per group. All the kids did a great job pulling those heavy loads and man were they cute doing it! We found that sticking the tongue out and leaning from side to side was a popular strategy. The kids that won first, second, or third will be invited to the State Competition and from there they will have the opportunity to go to Nationals and Internationals. All the kids who participated received a ribbon and a frisbee donated by Cloverdale Meats.

Horse Pull

The BIG teams went up against each other again this year at the North Dakota State Fair's famous Horse Pull. There were two classes, Percentage and Overload, and 8 teams in each class. Jeremy Longie from Rolla, ND was 1st in Percentage and Rick Byrne's team from Canada took the Overload by pulling 11,000 lbs. Rick's team was also the heaviest team in the Pull, coming in at 4,431 lbs. Tony Reller commendably won the Teamster Award and overall all the pullers did very well. Paul Geray did a great job announcing the pull and kept the audience updated on the weights and scores.

Pony Pull

We had an awesome Pony Pull this year. 14 teams competed for the win and Harold Flick's team came out on top. Harold received the grand prize of $350 and a plaque for 1st place. The top 9 places recieved a cash prize and earned it respectfully. The bleachers in Heritage Hall were completely full during the event and people were lined up around the arena to try and get a closer look at the mini power houses. These little ponies practice often for the event and for some it all payed off.

During the event the announcer, Paul Geray, informed us that the padding used during the pull protects the horses and pulling does not harm them. In fact he says that if well cared for, these horses often pull up to 18 to 20 years of age.

Dodgeball Tournament

The Fair took off with a blast this morning with our annual Dodgeball Tournament. 12 teams entered the tournament, but only one could have the glory of winning first place. The Youngest Team Here amazed everyone when they came back during the championship to take the win! In 2nd place were newcomers to the tournament, the Multiple Scoregasms, and in 3rd place were our veterans the Average Joel's. The Minor Problem came dressed to impressed, so they took the Best Uniform award and the Sittin' Ducks lived up to there name when
they took the award for the first team eliminated.

DJ Joe Goldade kept the teams motivated with classic songs, like "Eye of the Tiger". We had a great turnout and raised over $700 for the Minot Community Foundation. It was an awesome event and we would like to thank all of our sponsors and our volunteers. Without them this event would not have been possible.The 2009 Dodgeball Tournament is sponsored by:
KMOT

The Vegas Hotel
Splashdown Superslides
Anytime Fitness
Minot Country Club
Roosevelt Park Zoo
Valley View Go-Carts

Ribbon Cutting 2009

The 2009 North Dakota State Fair officialiy began tonight with our annual Ribbon Cutting ceremony. The ceremony took place on the Fair grounds in front of an oil rig donated by Egale Well Services. They generously brought the rig in order for the people of North Dakota to become more educated about the booming oil industry. Bob Wagner, State Fair Manager, did introductions as Feddie the Flickertail stood close by for support. Stop by the state fair this week and see an oil rig up close and personnel, located in Machinery Row.

Odor-Eaters Rotten Sneaker Contest

These judges are ready to sniff some stinky sneakers. The gift bags for all the contestants were filled this morning with Odor Eater goodies to help those feet stay nice and freash. If you have stinky sneakers and are between the ages of 5-15 years old come on down to the ND State Fair Saturday, August 1st. The contest will be held on the JukeBox Junkie stage at 4pm. The winner wins a free trip to VT and $200!!

Umbrellas Galore

As everyone was setting up their booth in the food court, we stopped to admire the brand new NDSF umbrellas. These umbrellas should help to provide extra shade for our Fair-goers and make eating at the food court a superior experience. Not to mention provide the Fair with a little extra flare.

KMOT Party at Bootleggers

KMOT will be hosting a party at Bootleggers on Thursday, July 23rd at 6pm. Join this pre-Fair party and you will have a chance to win a prize package for Dierks Bentley. The package will include gate admission, tickets to the concert on July 31st, and backstage passes! Bootleggers will also have drink specials for all who attend.

Concerts, Here They Come!

Motley Crew, Taylor Swift, Dierks Bentley... they're on their way! The concerts are becoming a reality today as the Grandstand stage starts to take shape. In just two short weeks the Fair begins, so our grounds crew are working overtime to get everything set up just right. Stay tuned for more updates about all the exciting set up on the Fair grounds these next two weeks.

Ag Forum

Join us Monday, July 27 at 10:30am on Stage 2 for the NDSF Ag. Forum sponsored by Bayer Crop Science. Agriculture associations and government agency representatives will be ready to answer your agriculture questions. For more information please contact the State Fair office at 857-7620.

Marketplace for Kids

Marketplace for Kids is coming to the State Fair! The Bright Ideas Showcase and Contest will take place in the State Fair Center Wednesday, July 29th from 8am to 2pm. Marketplace for Kids is a unique educational program offering encouragement for developing young entrepreneurs. It provides young people with a forum to present and explain their projects which are demonstrating entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity. For more information visit http://www.MarketplaceForKids.org

Heartland Poker Tournament

Getting in on the free Texas Hold’em tournaments held daily at the Fair just might land you a trip to Las Vegas! The annual Hold'em Tournament will serve as a stop on the Heartland Poker Tour. There is no buy in and up to 100 people play daily to get to one of two finals, July 28th or August 1st. This tournament is a qualifier for state and regional Heartland Poker Tour tournaments. Daily prizes and concert tickets will be awarded. The grand prize of this year’s tournament is a 3 day two night trip to Vegas. Players must register by 12:45pm daily in the Flickertail Gardens. The competition is sponsored by The Vegas Motel, Sevens Restaurant, and Four Bears Casino and Lodge.

Activities for the Kids!

The Fair is the perfect stop for families with kids of all ages. We have dedicated an entire area just for kids. Kid's Kingdom includes a petting zoo, giant sand box, kiddie rides, camel rides, and clowns keep children entertained throughout the Fair. The area is packed with several fun and free activities to participate in, however tickets are required for kiddie carnival rides and live animal rides. Kid's Kingdom, located on Stage 1, is sponsored by Trinity Health and is open from 11am -9 pm.

Hedrick's Petting Zoo, located in Kid’s Kingdom, is a place the whole family will enjoy. The zoo provides an exciting experience to meet and greet a variety of animals at the State Fair. Animals range from exotics like kangaroos, camels and zebras, to more domesticated creatures like llamas, donkeys and goats. Hedrick’s Petting Zoo is sponsored by Trinity Health, the zoo is free and is open daily from 11am - 9pm.

Kid's Clubhouse is another area at the Fair dedicated to kids. This air-conditioned clubhouse features activities, games, coloring and an indoor playland. The Kids Clubhouse also has a Comfort Zone, which provides parents a family friendly place for feeding and changing infants. Kids Clubhouse is open every day 11am - 8pm and is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota.

With so many options for children, we hope your family will take advantage of everything the Fair has to offer. To find other events, contest, and family entertainment visit our website at www.ndstatefair.com.

Clown Contest

Are you ready to clown around at the North Dakota State Fair? Any clown or organization is welcome to participate in the Parade Contest, Make-Up Contest, Skit Contest, Balloon Contest, or all four! The contest takes place at 2pm, registration is July 25th at the Jukebox Junkie Stage. For more information call Dizzy the Clown at 701-721-8434 or 701-852-5696.

Make a Pit Stop at Cenex

What a Ride! The North Dakota State Fair has something for everyone-great food, great fun, and great concerts at the Cenex Grandstand.

Now you can register to win Cenex Grandstand tickets at your nearby Cenex location. They are giving away tickets for Motley Crue, Taylor Swift, Dierks Bentley- and more! Plus, they have discounted ride tickets for the kids, while supplies last.

So plan a day at the North Dakota State Fair this year… and plan a pit stop at Cenex along the way. They have the snacks and fuel you need for the trip- and you could win tickets to a great Cenex Grandstand concert too. Valid at participating locations only.

More Ways to Win!

Fans of the Fair have been winning tickets left and right on the North Dakota State Fair’s social networking sites, but now there are even more opportunities to win your way to Fair events. Media of all kind will be giving away tickets in a town near you. Radio stations, TV stations, Cenex locations, and local newspapers across the state are doing North Dakota State Fair ticket giveaways.

Keep your ears open and your eyes peeled for these great opportunites. Cities with participating radio stations include Bismarck, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Hettinger, Jamestown, Langdon, Minot, Rugby, and Williston. Newspapers participating include Dickinson, Bottineau, Bowbells, Devils Lake, Ellendale, Minot, Mohall, Mandan, New Rockford, Belcourt, Williston, and Fordville.

Contact your local media for more details on how to win tickets to the North Dakota State Fair!