UPDATE: CLICK HERE to see pictures of the Fairgrounds.
The following is from the North Dakota State Fair:
MINOT, ND – The North Dakota State Fair Board decided in an emergency meeting Saturday afternoon to cancel the 2011 North Dakota State Fair due to the continuing Mouse (Souris) River flood situation.
Fair and city officials reviewed the revised hydrograph from the National Weather Service, which has now forecasted slower than expected receding flood waters of the Mouse River.
Friday’s significant rain event compounded the city’s ongoing flood flight also causing water to not recede as expected.
“Our situation has changed dramatically since just two weeks ago when we initially reviewed the National Weather Service hydrograph,” says Renae Korslien, State Fair manager. “When we were working with the earlier charts, we were certain we could hold a State Fair. But with our already tight timeline, the revised forecast and Friday’s downpour now make that an impossibility.”
“We did everything we could to make this year’s Fair a reality. Sadly, the circumstances have changed. We are left with no choice,” adds Korslien.
Water remains on the State Fairgrounds. However, Korslien reports that the State Fair Center and the new Fair Grandstand remain dry. Fair employees have been working around the clock to protect these facilities throughout the flood. State Fair staff will now focus on getting the facilities ready for Motor Magic, Norsk Hostfest, Y’s Men’s Rodeo, and other community events.
Refunds
Tickets purchased using a credit card will be automatically refunded back to that account. It is not necessary to contact the Fair if a credit card was used for the purchase. Those ticket holders can expect to see a credit by July 31. Individuals who purchased tickets with cash will need to contact the North Dakota State Fair office at 701-857-7620 or email ndsf@minot.com. The Fair office will contact individuals with camping reservations by July 31.
“We want to thank Minot city officials, our fellow North Dakotans from every corner of our state, and the Minot residents for their support in these recent weeks. We were truly touched by the outpouring of support earlier last month when we announced our decision to proceed with the State Fair,” says Korslien. “It just reminds us all of what makes this state and city so special and it makes all of us in the State Fair family even more determined to make next year’s Fair even greater.”
Source: North Dakota State Fair
Posted by Haylie Shipp
