Good morning, Minot.

Set up is underway at the North Dakota State Fair, where vendors like Straight’s Concessions — a family-run business with over 60 years of history — are preparing to offer traditional treats to local visitors.

The fair begins Friday, July 18 and runs through Saturday, July 26.

Prairie Grit Therapy is asking licensed stylists to volunteer for its annual Sensory-Friendly Back-to-School Haircut Day on Aug.

11 after 4 p.m. Volunteer stylists will work with pediatric therapists to help children with sensory processing challenges and must sign up by emailing [email protected] by July 28—ensuring a calm, supportive haircut experience.

Downtown Minot business Flower Central is changing its parking lot entrance because Central Avenue closed Monday for flood protection work — owner Niki Brose said customers easily found the shop and normal service is expected in a month and a half.

Deputy Krista Becker received the stork award on Wednesday for assisting with a roadside birth along Highway 83 North about a month ago when she left her reports to help an expectant mother and her friend on their way to the hospital.

She later visited the parents at Trinity Hospital and shared photos with them plus Sheriff Roed presented the award on behalf of Trinity Health and the Sheriff’s Department.

Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak will host a virtual forum on Monday, July 21 at 6 p.m. where she will connect with North Dakotans to answer questions about key legislative priorities (participants must sign up on her website by noon and join via livestream).

The Central Dakota MPO held a virtual meeting Tuesday to discuss a transportation plan for Minot that shows a gap between $242 million in potential federal funds and the $301 million needed for future road projects.

The plan assigns $42 million for projects from 2026-2030 and calls for extra public input on whether to prioritize road reconstruction or mobility projects — a move aimed at improving safety and connectivity across the region.

Ward County received over $4 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to plan a corridor project in Minot aimed at easing traffic on County Road 16 and Broadway South—public input gathered over nearly four years will guide its three phases, including a new interchange—and further planning and grant writing will take place before construction begins.

On July 1, Airman 1st Class James Davies and Senior Airman Jonathan Gonzalez-Rodriguez moved cargo at Minot Air Force Base to support supply missions for a C-5M Super Galaxy + their work is essential for timely delivery of equipment for ongoing base operations.

On Tuesday, the North Dakota State Fair submitted a $300,000 budget request for 2026 to the Ward County Commission, unchanged from last year, while the Souris Basin Planning Council and Kenmare Community Development Corp. requested $38,641 and $35,000 respectively.

Jail Commander Paul Olthoff explained that a $100,000 federal grant for the opioid treatment program was withdrawn but the county received a $224,000 state grant along with lawsuit settlement funds to support the program.

North Dakota State Fair

All day — North Dakota State Fair Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience nine thrilling days of entertainment and grandstand performances.

NDSF Run the Route 5K

8:45-10:00 a.m. — North Dakota State Fair Center — Registration required — Kick off the North Dakota State Fair with a fun run along the parade route.

Arts in the Park: 188th Army Band Concert

7-9 p.m. — Oak Park — Free entry — Experience a timeless summer tradition with live music under the oaks in Minot.

Demolition Derby Showdown

7-9 p.m. — North Dakota State Fair Center — Ticket included with Grandstand Showpass — Experience the adrenaline of cars colliding in a battle for the ultimate title.

North Dakota State Fair - Sawyer Brown Concert

6-9 p.m. — North Dakota State Fair Grandstand — Ticket on sale March 1 — Celebrate 40 years of Sawyer Brown with lively performances of their classic hits.

Limp Bizkit Concert

8:00–9:30 p.m. — North Dakota State Fair Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electrifying performance of Limp Bizkit live.

North Dakota State Fair Parade

9:15 a.m. — North Dakota State Fair Grounds Red Lot Campground — Free entry — Don’t miss the largest parade in North Dakota as it winds its way to the Fairgrounds.

Black Stone Cherry Concert

6-8 p.m. — The Original — Ticket prices vary — Kentucky rockers Black Stone Cherry bring their new album to life with a powerful performance.

Hot Tots Movie Night

9:30-11:00 p.m. — Corbett Field — Free entry — Enjoy a classic baseball movie under the stars as summer comes to a close.