The North Dakota State Fair is only eight months away! Not exactly in the forefront of your mind I bet...

But for those building the new grandstand on the fairgrounds, that firm deadline looms large.

Perry Olson takes us there where work is progressing nicely and the multi-million dollar facility is really taking shape.

(Jerry Iverson - Fmr. Fair Manager) "It looks pretty good!"


Former Fair Manager and current project supervisor Jerry Iverson likes what he sees and what he sees is progress!

(Jerry Iverson - Fmr. Fair Manager) "Every one of these meetings I remind them we don't anyone bringing lawn chairs to come to see concerts at the fair! This thing needs to be done and wrapped up."


And all signs point to that being the case. The spectacular weather has meant plenty of great working days. Steel continues to be placed in preparation for the concrete pieces being produced in Grand Forks...

(Jerry Iverson - Fmr. Fair Manager) "The precast concrete will be in December 16th or so so then they will start laying the concrete pieces on the iron that you see."


The work is being done by 27 different contractors but most all are from outside of Minot...the building boom in town basically made that a necessity.

(Jerry Iverson - Fmr. Fair Manager) "What we are winding up is having contractors from Bismarck and Grand Forks and Fargo doing most of the work. That is costing a little more putting them up in hotels and bringing equipment in and set up."


Iverson says they are only one or two percent over budget which is acceptable especially since the work is really moving along...building toward this finished product...

(Jerry Iverson - Fmr. Fair Manager) "Great bunch of folks. We had them up to the concession stand last week for burgers and ice cream, 54 of them. We told them how much we appreciated the work. They are a great bunch of professionals out here."


Preparing a place for us to watch a different type of professional soon...In Minot, Perry Olson, KX News.

Iverson says crews must have the grandstand enclosed by the time winter really slugs the area so work can continue through the usually bone-chilling months early next year. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list