Preparing For First Fair in Two Years - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

Preparing For First Fair in Two Years

It's an event that thousands look forward to every year.
But after last year's flood, the 2011 North Dakota State Fair had to be canceled.

However, this year, the State Fair is back.
Kelli Volk has the details on how fair officials are preparing for a big comeback.

One year ago the floodwaters surged through the State Fair Grounds in Minot...levees surrounded the Grand Stand and State Fair Center and dozens of building were left in need of repair.
However, those organizing the State Fair didn't let the flood aftermath keep them from re-opening in 2012.
Last minute jobs are being completed to make room for the rides and vendors.
(Renae Korslien, Gen real Manager-North Dakota State Fair)"I think there's just a lot of pressure of getting ready and the excitement.  But fortunately our staff has been so excited to put this fair on.  We had to wait now for two years to do it.  We're ready an they're excited, but yeah there's always pressure."
Although the Fair took a year off last year, fair organizers did not.
They spent the time developing ideas for new attractions at this year's fair.
(Renae Korslien, General Manager-North Dakota State Fair)"The Game and Fish Department has a big expansion going, which will be very interesting to people.  And of course, free stages.  We always have new things coming in with bears and alligators.  We are running shuttle buses for three days during the fair."
The new activities and events planned couldn't have come at a better time, because the fair will see a larger crowd this year.
(Renae Korselien, General Manager-North Dakota State Fair)"Ticket sales have been probably increased somewhat.  Of course, last year by this time, we had closed to quit selling tickets.  But yeah, a very big increase."
The weeks following the fair, will not be all rest and relaxations for those who organized the event.
In fact, next year's fair already has a spot on the calendar.
(Renae Korslien, General Manager-North Dakota State Fair)"Well, we start planning right now for next year.  Or even earlier."
In Minot, Kelli Volk, KX News.

The State Fair officially begins July 20th and runs through the 28th.