Latest news with #NorthDakotaStateFair
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Discover the Spirit of the West and Native American Traditions in North Dakota
BISMARCK, N.D., May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- North Dakota is where the spirit of the American West lives on in rodeo arenas, historic villages, and across windswept prairies. Whether you're drawn to the thrill of bull riding, the storytelling of frontier towns, or the rhythm of powwow drumbeats, you'll find authentic Western culture woven into the fabric of every visit to the state. From lively fairs and action-packed horse relays to immersive cultural experiences and historical landmarks, the state offers endless opportunities to connect with its legendary past and vibrant present. Here are some of the most popular ways to experience authentic Western culture in North Dakota: Frontier Village, JamestownStep into North Dakota's pioneer past at Frontier Village, where restored historic buildings and artifacts bring the Old West to life. Explore the writer's shack of famed author Louis L'Amour, the 1880 Northern Pacific Depot, a one-room schoolhouse, a pioneer church, and more. Browse charming gift shops featuring local crafts and North Dakota keepsakes, then enjoy hand-dipped ice cream and regional treats at the General Store. Just steps away, visit the North American Bison Discovery Center and the iconic World's Largest Buffalo monument. Indian Horse Relay at the North Dakota State Fair, Minot - July 22, 2025Get ready for heart-pounding action and a rich cultural celebration as the Mandan Hidatsa Arikara (MHA) Indian Horse Relay thunders back into Minot for its fourth consecutive year! Head to the North Dakota State Fair, where Native American athletes will compete in one of the most thrilling and fast-paced events in the West. This electrifying event features elite teams - each with a fearless rider, a mugger, and two skilled holders - racing bareback across three horses in a battle of speed, agility, and precision. With dramatic mid-race horse exchanges and four adrenaline-fueled heats culminating in a high-stakes final, the excitement never stops. And the experience goes beyond the racetrack with MHA dancers who captivate the audience with powerful performances that celebrate their vibrant traditions and cultural heritage. Rodeos, StatewideRooted in horsemanship and ranching traditions, North Dakota's rodeos are spirited celebrations of cowboy culture that draw participants from across the nation. From small-town events to pro-level championships, spectators can watch cowboys and cowgirls compete in high-energy events like bull riding, barrel racing, and bronc riding. Beyond the arenas, enjoy live music, parades, local food, and family fun. Mark your calendar for these upcoming rodeos: June 27-28: James River Rodeo, Jamestown June 27-29: Rough Rider Days PRCA Rodeo, Dickinson July 2-4: PRCA Pro Rodeo, Mandan July 4: Sheyenne NDRA Rodeo, Sheyenne July 11-12: White Shield Rodeo, White Shield Aug 2: Home on the Range Champions Ride Rodeo, Sentinel Butte Aug 17-18: Golden Valley Shootout & Wayne Herman Invitational Rodeo, Golden Valley For a complete list of upcoming rodeos and events, visit Powwows, StatewideExperience a dynamic expression of Native American culture at a powwow, deeply meaningful celebrations where communities come together to dance, sing, pray, share meals, and honor traditions. Modern powwows welcome visitors to witness breathtaking traditional dance and drum performances, savor delicious Native foods alongside familiar fair favorites, and explore handmade arts and crafts from talented Native artisans. Here are a few of the upcoming powwows held in North Dakota: June 20-22: Santee Lucky Mound Powwow, Parshall The four-day event will include drum sessions, dance competitions, authentic food and a horseshoe tournament. July 13: Arikara Celebration, White ShieldThe relationship between the Arikara and Pawnee dates back to the 15th century through an oral history shared by the tribes and this powwow celebrates that union. July 17-20: Mandaree Celebration Powwow, Mandaree A celebration with rich traditions featuring competitions in song and drum alongside a full slate of dance specials. July 25-27: Fort Totten Days Celebration, Fort Totten The Celebration is held in the Andrew Shaw Sr. arena and brings together dancers of all ages to showcase the unique style of each dance. Additional events include a 5K fun run and moccasin games. August 7-10: Little Shell Celebration/Antelope Society, New Town The second-largest powwow in North Dakota boasts numerous dance specials for all age groups and categories. Attendees will find plenty of food and crafts before enjoying dance finals held under the lights in the evening. September 5-7: United Tribes International Powwow, Bismarck One of the largest and most prestigious celebrations of Native American culture in the nation. The three-day event brings thousands of drummers and dancers from around the world to Bismarck each year. A guide to powwows in North Dakota can be found at To explore more about Western culture and Native American experiences in North Dakota and to plan a Legendary trip, visit Follow North Dakota Tourism on Facebook at on Instagram at or on X at and get tips on what to see and do all year long. C O N T A C T: Leslie Holbrook | Kim Schmidt | 701-328-2532ksschmidt@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE North Dakota Tourism Division
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bill could provide up to $100K for improvements at Stutsman County Fairgrounds
Mar. 15—JAMESTOWN — A bill in the North Dakota Legislature could provide up to $100,000 for improvements at the Stutsman County Fairgrounds. The Stutsman County Fairgrounds' facilities are aging and there are challenges in maintaining and improving the infrastructure to meet the needs of the community, wrote Rod Wilhelm, Stutsman County Fair Board member, in his testimony supporting House Bill 1591 that would create a grant program for county agriculture fair associations. He wrote that some of the most important needs at the Stutsman County Fairgrounds include bathrooms that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, a storm shelter, agricultural educational facility, roof repairs, concert stage, grandstand and concession updates. "A long-term goal would be a year-round arena to be used for livestock, horse, Ag Expo, and other events," Wilhelm wrote. HB 1591 — sponsored by Reps. Mitch Ostlie and Bernie Satrom and Sens. Cole Conley and Terry Wanzek, all R-Jamestown — would create a one-to-one matching grant program and appropriate $3 million to the agriculture commissioner to provide grants to county agriculture fair associations for the planning, design and construction of infrastructure projects from July 1 (2025???) to June 30, 2027. No more than $100,000 can be awarded to a county agriculture fair association. A grant recipient would be required to provide local matching dollars from nonstate sources for every dollar provided by the agriculture commissioner through the program. The grant program would be funded one time and ends on June 30, 2027. HB 1591 passed the House on a 74-16 vote. The bill is now in the Senate. Ostlie said he noticed that the Stutsman County Fair Association might have some projects dealing with infrastructure needs. "Then as I was doing some research around the state, many other fair associations were in a similar boat. So I thought this would be a good opportunity to get all entities involved," he said. Ostlie said there are approximately 32 county agriculture fair associations in the state. "That's where we come up with those dollars for approximately up to $100,000 and then a $3 million overall maximum budget item," he said. He said the Office of the Agriculture Commissioner would develop the criteria for the application process for the grant program. He also said the North Dakota State Fair would not be eligible for the funds because it has its own budget under the agriculture commissioner's budget. Ostlie said he worked with the Office of the Agriculture Commissioner to come up with an appropriation for the bill. He said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring is on board with HB 1591 as well as many appropriators on the front end. "I have received very little, if any, opposition to the intent of this grant program," he said. "The main issue really ... is coming down to money, how much assistance people think that we should give." Wilhelm wrote that agriculture plays an essential role for the Stutsman County Fair, which showcases the state's agricultural diversity. "From livestock competitions to crop displays and 4-H achievements, the Stutsman County Fair directly connects our community to the vital work happening on farms and ranches across our region," Wilhelm wrote. "The improvements made through this grant would not only ensure the fair continues to thrive but would also allow us to better support future generations of agricultural leaders and innovators." He wrote that the Stutsman County Fair has an attendance of about 20,000. "This event celebrates our agricultural history by bringing thousands of families together through 4-H, FFA (Future Farmers of America), Rodeo, show casing their livestock, horses, rabbits, chickens, art, flowers and baked goods," Wilhelm wrote. "The attendees and exhibitors support local businesses from gas stations, to restaurants, hotels, and retail shops." The economic impact of the Stutsman County Fair is $3.25 million if each attendee spent $130, said Emily Bivens, executive director of the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce and Jamestown Tourism, in an email to Wilhelm. She said the economic impact is based on a 2023 study by North Dakota Tourism that says per-visitor spending was reported as $98 per day for each visitor and $203 per day for each overnight visitor for an average of $130 per day for each visitor. Ostlie said HB 1591 could potentially have an economic impact of $200,000 for each county with the dollar-for-dollar match. "It certainly doesn't address all of the infrastructure needs, but it's a nice little shot in the arm potentially," he said. Bivens wrote in her testimony supporting HB 1591 that a maximum grant of $100,000 for each county fair association would have a direct impact by improving fairgrounds, enhancing visitor experiences and supporting local economies. "Investing in county fair infrastructure is an investment in North Dakota's future. We respectfully urge this committee to give House Bill 1591 a 'DO PASS' recommendation and support our state's agricultural fairs as they continue to grow, educate, and bring communities together," she wrote. Stutsman County Commissioner Amanda Hastings wrote in her testimony supporting the bill that the passage of HB 1591 in the House is a crucial step toward strengthening local fairs. Hastings also wrote that she has concerns regarding a revision requiring a dollar-for-dollar matching fund requirement. "While I understand the importance of ensuring that grant recipients have a vested interest in these projects, a strict one-to-one match could inadvertently limit the ability of smaller county fairs to fully benefit from the program," she wrote. "Many smaller fairs operate on tight budgets with limited fundraising capabilities, making it difficult to meet such a high matching threshold. As a result, this well-intended grant program may become inaccessible to the very communities that need it the most." She also wrote that the Legislature should consider a tiered or reduced matching requirement that allows for flexibility on the size and financial capacity of each county fair association. "This would ensure that all county fairs, regardless of their financial standing, can access funding to improve facilities, enhance programming, and continue serving their communities," she wrote.
