The 45th annual meeting of the North Dakota State Fair Association took place on Thursday, November 18 in Bismarck, ND. There were 70 delegates and 25 guests in attendance, making this one of the Fair’s larger annual meetings. Business covered at the annual meeting included the review and presentation of the Fair’s annual report and audit by State Fair Manager, Renae Korslien, as well as the election of three board members. Delegates re-elected to the North Dakota State Fair Association Board included District 6 representative Kandi Mikkelson of Minot, District 3 representative Dennis Wendel of LaMoure and District 9 representative LeeAnn Karsky from Dickinson.
An exciting announcement at the meeting was the introduction of the newly formed North Dakota State Fair Foundation. The North Dakota State Fair Foundation exists to preserve and enhance the North Dakota State Fair, and all that it encompasses, for posterity. With the support of donors, the foundation will improve upon the programs, facilities, rich tradition, and therefore experiences, which only the North Dakota State Fair can offer. More information on the foundation can be found at http://www.ndstatefairfoundation.com
The final order of business was the presentation of the 2010 North Dakota State Fair Honorary Member. This year’s membership was presented to Dennis Voeller. Dennis served as a State Fair employee for the past 26 years and was instrumental in many of the Fair’s successes during his role as the Operations Director. Dennis retired from the North Dakota State Fair on November 1, 2010. The State Fair staff and board of directors wish Dennis success in all of his future endeavors.