Hearing on Senate Bill 2009: State fair seeks $2.84 million for exhibitor premiums, security and restrooms

Senate and House appropriations committee members heard testimony on Senate Bill 2009 on Oct. 12, 2025, as North Dakota State Fair officials requested funding for exhibitor premiums and capital improvements including security upgrades and a new restroom facility.

The hearing focused on three funding requests tied to the fair: (1) premium payments for 4‑H, FFA and open‑class exhibitors; (2) a $1,000,000 request to expand security and communications infrastructure at the fairgrounds; and (3) a $1,200,000 request for a new restroom and shower facility in the east camping area. Craig Rudlett, manager of the North Dakota State Fair, and Aaron Atmar, assistant general manager, described attendance, finances and the proposed uses of the requested funds.

"Every dollar from this appropriation is 100% paid out to 4 H FFA open class exhibitors," Craig Rudlett said, describing the proposed premium funding. Rudlett told the committee the fair drew just over 342,000 visitors in 2024 and that the operation runs on a roughly $12,000,000 cash reserve. He said the fair has set aside about $6,000,000 for a planned…