The 113th Annual Stutsman County Fair opens at 4 p.m. today offering residents and visitors the Mighty Thomas Carnival, four nights of musical entertainment and the traditional exhibits of hobbies, talents and livestock.
County Fair Board President Alan Lindberg and Treasurer Mike Williams are excited about this year's carnival. Whereas in past years, they said, the carnival has had to limit the number of rides here due to other events or breakdowns on the road, this year is looking better.
"We usually have 20-21 rides, but this year we'll have a couple more," Lindberg said.
Williams went further, encouraging youngsters to take advantage of it.
"It'll be well worth getting a wristband for the four days," he said. The wristband costs $42 and can still be purchased at north or south Stop 'N' Go and Neighborhood Grocery today.
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Attendance at the fair usually is around 30,000, which Lindberg said is an indication of its continuing success, especially with a dwindling rural population. He credits a number of factors for the success, starting with a quality carnival. Food is always an indication, he said, as vendors want to be where they can sell well. Food vendors this year number 16 or 17, Lindberg said.
For Lindberg, the nightly musical entertainment is a big draw for adults and another piece of a successful fair. A new band, Tripwire, starts off the entertainment at 8:45 p.m. today. He describes the band as having a lot of energy, singing in four-part harmony and with "lots of horns and violins." The band plays 10 different instruments and covers four decades of rock 'n' roll.
The Johnny Holm Band carries on the energetic pace Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Lindberg said Johnny Holm's show always draws a good crowd at the fair.
Then, for those who were around during the 1980s to enjoy Knightrider Band, the band is having a reunion of many of its members at this year's county fair. The band will be playing a mix of country rock and '70s and '80s rock and roll in a special performance.
"The Knightrider Band was one of the most popular bands in North Dakota," Lindberg said. "They'll be jamming between 6 and 7 o'clock and on stage about 9 (p.m.). It should be a great night."
"We're really excited about the Knightrider reunion," Williams added.
On Saturday night Fuse will close out this year's county fair at 8:45 p.m. This band is also new to the fair. It has a female lead singer and, Lindberg said, the band performs music from the '60s to today's hits -- from Fleetwood Mac and Pat Benatar to Gretchen Wilson, Cyndi Lauper and John Mellencamp.
"That should be a fun band," he said.
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In addition to the evening parade of music, the North Dakota Teen Challenge Choir will be performing at 4 p.m. Saturday on the gazebo stage in the park.
For the children, the petting zoo has returned and it's still free. Lindberg said there "aren't a lot of them around anymore. We think it's a good part of our fair and we're happy to have them."
Other mainstays of the fair are the Don Wilhelm Stockcar Classic, go-kart races and the James River Rodeo.
"It's one of the best outdoor rodeos in the state," Lindberg said. The rodeo has an arena at the north end of the fairgrounds and has its own admission price.
The Fair Board is using the Merchants Building as a rest area for fair goers. The non-food vendors will be outside.
"It's an oasis-type of place, a way to get out of the sun," he said.
On the traditional fair side of the event, the 4-H and Open Class static exhibits are on display during the four days of the fair. 4-H livestock judging and exhibiting occur each day. Take a walk through the barns to see beef, poultry, rabbits, goats and swine. The 4-H Horse Show is scheduled Thursday morning.
"We expect the usual good turnout with livestock," Lindberg said. "We know we'll fill the barns."
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Sun reporter Toni Pirkl can be reached at (701) 952-8453 or by e-mail at tonip@jamestownsun.com
