The North Dakota State Fair in Minot is considered the entertainment capital of the state. This is probably because the state fairgrounds host many of the major entertainment events that occur throughout the year. However towards the end of each July for nine days the grounds are filled with visitors looking to enjoy the state fair. Those looking for some fun activities while visiting North Dakota during this time of year shouldn't skip the opportunity to check out the fair.

Entertaiment at the fair usually consists of your standard Midway and Carnival accompanied by the tried and true Agricultural shows. There have also been a number of interesting activities at the state fair over the years. In 2006's fair the organizers were able to lure the National Basketball Association (NBA) to the fair. They set up exhibits with free contests for visitors, basketball displays and of course special guests associated with the sport to the fair.

In recent years the state fair has started an annual Dodgeball Tournament. There are two divisions open class and Business/Service class. Visitors to the fair can enter the open class division and seek retribution for all those years of high school gym. The tournament is usually held towards the beginning of the fair, so come early.

One year the state fair hosted the World Rhubarb Pie Eating Championship. It was free to attend but most of the competitors places were all ready reserved for some world class eaters by the International Federation of Competitive Eating. Who knew such a group existed? Well, now you do and there's likely to be more eating championships at the state fair in future years.

In 2005 the state fair received over 15,000 competitive exhibit entries. That's an amazing number of canned fruits and veggies, quilts, baked goods, giant veggies, clothing, paintings, livestock and anything else you can think of creating. Put on your easy walking shoes if you plan on checking out the ever-growing competitive exhibits at the fair.

When you come to the fair you can find many local hotels willing and waiting for your visit as well as campgrounds, KOA's and the fairgrounds itself has camping available.