Luann Dart

“It is an exploding area, enabling economic activity and enabling social interaction. It’s not an option, it’s becoming necessary for people,” Hagerott says of cyberspace. “Consequently, it’s generating huge demands for an educated workforce who understands it.”

That’s where the armed security force, or cybersecurity, becomes important.

Cybersecurity was identified by TechND as the No. 1 workforce need, Hagerott says, and North Dakota’s colleges and universities are beginning to respond to that need.

The heart of the NDSF are the 4-H, FFA and open class exhibits vying for the top prize, Korslien says. Last year, the fair hosted 46,998 competitive exhibits.

“We have to congratulate everyone who puts in all that work to bring a project to the fair,” she says. “Come and look at the projects.”

The NDSF brings new competitions and entertainment to the grounds this year, too. A barn quilt competition and a new draft horse obstacle course will debut.

‘THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY’
“You watch these shows and in half an hour, you can transform your bathroom into this beautiful new bathroom,” says Tim Noteboom, who owned 20/20 Home Inspections for 18 years in the Fargo-Moorhead area. “It’s not like that at all.”

“Some of these projects can become quite complicated and you want to make sure you have the right skill set to complete the project,” advises Dave Lebrun, owner of Souris River Designs in Minot, whose own home is served by Verendrye Electric Cooperative.

“We try offering a great lineup of entertainment. Once you get on grounds, there are so many things to do that are free. Our concerts are free, our entertainment on grounds is all free. We have something for every age group,” Schulz says.

Schulz is fully committed to bringing family-friendly entertainment with an educational aspect to the RRVF. So, instead of sampling funnel cakes or corn dogs, he’s been taste-testing dehydrated insects such as Sriracha crickets and a bug kabob, which will be offered during one of the fair’s free shows.

“We want to make everybody feel welcome, whether they are from here or traveling through,” said Madison Schuler, the owner of Dakota Coffee Co. in Wahpeton. “It’s our ‘North Dakota nice’ welcome.”

“The small businesses found in every community across our state provide the amenities, hospitality and service that make trips to North Dakota memorable,” Sara Otte Coleman, tourism director with the N.D. Department of Commerce, wrote in this month’s North Dakota Living.