Sweet music today, stronger Fair tomorrow! The State Fair Foundation, established just over a year ago, has received more than $50,000 in donations from supportive Fairgoers. But Foundation President Todd Berning said his group hopes to increase that fund dramatically with the raffle of a very special guitar.
The instrument makes melodies, of course, but it also has added value. More than 20 of music’s biggest stars autographed it at last year’s Country Music Awards show. Signatures include Zac Brown, who will be performing at this year’s Fair, as well as Reba, Taylor Swift, Darius Rucker, Vince Gill, and many more!
“Bob Romeo, who books the Fair entertainment, was able to get this unique guitar for us,” Fair Manager Renae Korslien said.
A limited number of $20 tickets will be sold, with the winner drawn during the Blake Shelton concert, Friday, July 27. Tickets are available on both the North Dakota State Fair, (www.ndstatefair.com) and Foundation (www.ndstatefairfoundation.com) websites and will also be sold under the Grandstand during the Fair.
Another Fair fundraiser, Tile the Atrium, is progressing, too, Berning said. The first tiles which North Dakota State Fair fans have bought will be laid near the Fair office in the Upper Atrium prior to the 2012 North Dakota State Fair. The stone-patterned tiles, printed with the names of people, families or businesses are available in 2 sizes; 1’x1’ and 1’x2’. These can be purchased through the foundation website or by calling the North Dakota State Fair office at 701-857-7620.
“One of our major goals is long-term support for the youth groups at the Fair,” said Berning. “The programs mentioned are two ways to assure that our great Fair stays strong through the future.”