This past Saturday marked the final day of the North Dakota State Fair, which is the biggest summer event in the state. The fair first started back in 1922 in Minot as the Ward County Fair and by 1923 a record 18,000 people attended. The fair grew so much over the years that it unofficially became known as the North Dakota State Fair in 1936. It wasn’t until 1965 that the North Dakota Government officially sanctioned the fair as the “state fair,” which would go into effect in 1966.

Over the years the fair has welcomed countless visitors from all over the United States and the Canadian prairies. Agriculture equipment, 4-H displays, amusements, pig racing, concerts, trade shows, livestock, and rodeos all make the fair a huge success each year. Some of the biggest names in country music have performed at event including Hank Williams Jr., Don Williams, Oak Ridge Boys, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers, Alabama, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, George Strait, and Garth Brooks. This year Thomas Rhett and Lainey Wilson were among the mainstage entertainers.

Estimates of 12 to 15 thousand people filled the grandstand to see award winning Lainey Wilson. Her show included a classic half ton truck on a turntable, which was a central focus of her performance. She kicked off her show on top of the truck with “Hang Tight Honey” and continued to bring the energy all night. Cameras inside the truck showed her performing “Heart Like the Truck,” which sparked a loud sing-a-long with the audience. She also performed her hits “Things a Man Oughta Know” and “Wild Flowers and Wild Horses.” Her encore included a medley of her collaborations with Hardy and Jelly Roll.

Here are a few pictures from this year’s fair:

(Lainey Wilson closed out this year’s mainstage entertainment)

(Dill pickle pizza – very good!)

(There were daily sea lion shows)