JUNE
19 - 22
FESSENDEN, ND
GRANDSTAND EVENTS:
OTHER EVENTS:
WEDNESDAY, June 18 --
8 am – 8 pm: Open Class static exhibit entry – Open Class Exhibit Bldg.
8 am – 8 pm: FCE Booth Setup – Open Class Exhibit Bldg.
11:45 am: 4-H Static & Livestock Interview Judging – 4-H Static Bldg.
1 pm: 4-H Clothing Review - Festival Hall
4 - 6 pm: Open Class Poultry Registration – Horse, Fur & Feather Barn
1:30 pm: 4-H Consumer Decision Making Contest – Festival Hall
THURSDAY, June 19 --
Day Sponsors: Fessenden Thrift Shop, Ongstad Seed
9 am – Noon: Open Class Poultry Registration – Horse, Fur & Feather Barn
Noon – 12:30 pm: 4-H Livestock, Poultry & Rabbit Registration – Registration Booth
Noon – 1 am: Beer Gardens Open
12:30 pm: 4-H Sweepstakes Contest – Registration Booth
3 – 7 pm: Vendor Building Open
3 – 7 pm: Penny House Video Game Playhouse – Under Grandstand
4 – 7 pm: Museums Open
4 – 9 pm: 4-H Static Building & Barns Open
4 – 1 pm: Midway West Carnival
5 pm: 4-H Rabbit & Poultry Show & Open Poultry Show – Horse, Fur & Feather Barn
5 – 7 pm or until gone Free Will BBQ Supper – Festival Hall - Donations for Grandstand Renovations
5 – 7 pm: FFA Alumni Dunking Booth - Midway
5 – 9 pm: Open Class Static Exhibits Building Open
5 – 9 pm: Free Will Bake Sale – Open Class Static Bldg.
7 pm: Bull-A-Rama & Mutton Bustin’ - Grandstand
FRIDAY, June 20 --
Day Sponsors: Harvey Eagles, CenDak Cooperative
8 am: 4-H & FFA Livestock Shows: Swine, Sheep, Goats, Beef – Show Barn
9 am – 9:30 pm: 4-H Fur & Feather Barn Open
10 am – 3 pm: The Viking Kiddie Train Rides - Gazebo
10 am – 9 pm: Open Class Static Exhibits Building Open
10 am – 9 pm: Free Will Bake Sale - Open Class Static Bldg. (until gone)
10:30 am – 9 pm: 4-H & FFA Exhibits on display – Static Bldg. & Barns
11 am – 7 pm: Vendor Building Open
11 am – 7 pm: Penny House Video Game Play House – Under Grandstand
11 am – 8 pm: Butterfly Encounter – Midway
Noon – 8 pm: Bouncies Open - Midway
Noon – 11 pm: Midway West Carnival
Noon – 1 am: Beer Gardens Open
1 pm: The Museum Speaks at the Museum
1 – 8 pm: Museums Open
2 – 9 pm: Barnyard Buddies Petting Zoo – by Barns
3 pm: South African Lamb BBQ – Gazebo
3 – 8 pm: Kids Zone - by Gazebo
4 pm: 4-H Round Robin Showmanship Finals – Show Barn
4:30 pm: The Museum Speaks at the Museum
5:30 pm: Peder Gjovik & Reed McConnahey – War Stories at the Museum
6 pm: 4-H Livestock Premium Sale, Item Auction & Awards Presentation – Show Barn
6:30 pm: Wanda Melchert – Homesteading Stories at the Museum
6 – 8 pm: Battle of the Breweries – Round 1 – Free Stage
6 – 8 pm: FFA Alumni Dunking Booth – Midway
7 pm: Octane Addictions Freestyle Motorcycle Stunt Show – Grandstand
8:30 – 9:30 pm: Battle of the Breweries – Championship – Free Stage
9 pm: Tundra Band – Beer Gardens
SATURDAY, June 21 --
Day Sponsors: 1st Int’l Bank & Trust – Fessenden & Harvey; Jim Kirkeide, LeVon & Pat Kirkeide Memorial
7:30 am: 5K Run / Walk / Bike Ride Registration - Gazebo
8 am: 5K Run / Walk / Bike Ride start – Gazebo
9 am: Parade Line-up – Courthouse
9:30 am – 5 pm: Whole Lamb Carcass BBQ Spit Demo – near Gazebo
10 am: Parade, thru downtown Fessenden
10:30 am – 3 pm: The Viking Kiddie Train Rides - Gazebo
10:30 am – Noon Free Stage – Shriners Caliope
11 am – 7 pm: Vendor Building Open
11 am – 7 pm: Penny House Video Game Play House – Under Grandstand
11 am – 8 pm: Butterfly Encounter – Midway
Noon: Free Stage – Wren Kindseth
Noon - 5 pm: Free Kid’s Bikes & Prize Registration – Fair Office
Noon – 8 pm: Bouncies Open - Midway
Noon – 9 pm: Barnyard Buddies Petting Zoo - by barns
Noon – 9 pm: 4-H & FFA Exhibits on display, Static Bldg. & Barns
Noon – 9 pm: Open Class Static Exhibits Building Open
Noon – 11 pm: Midway West Carnival
Noon – 1 am: Beer Gardens Open
1 pm: Free Stage – Kleinsasser Sisters
1 pm: The Museum Speaks at the Museum
1 pm: Motorized Barrel Racing - Grandstand
1 – 4 pm: Vintage Grain Trucks & Antique Tractor Show – East of carnival
1 – 7 pm: Kids Zone - by Gazebo
1 – 7 pm: Museums Open
1:30 pm: 4-H Dog/Cat/Pet Show – Show Barn
2 pm: Kid’s Treasure Hunt - Sandbox by the Barns
2 pm: Free Stage – James Scheer
2 – 3:30 pm: Rhubarb Fest - Festival Hall
2:30 – 3 pm: Kids Pedal Tractor Pull Registration - Festival Hall Courtyard
3 pm: Kids Pedal Tractor Pull - Festival Hall Courtyard
3 pm: Free Stage – Perry Anderson Family
3 pm: South African Lamb BBQ Demo – Gazebo
4 pm: Free Stage – Open Mic Time
4 pm: Auto Cross on Dirt – Grandstand
4 pm: 4-H Tractor Driving Contest – Show Barn
4:30 pm: The Museum Speaks at the Museum
5 pm: Kids Bikes & Prize Drawings - Fair Office (Must be present)
5 pm – Until gone: Whole Carcass BBQ Lamb Roast Meal – by Gazebo
5:30 pm: Free Stage – “Cheese Buttons” Anika Neumiller
5 – 7 pm: FFA Alumni Dunking Booth - Midway
6:30 – 9 pm: Free Stage – Vicki Lenz
7:30 pm: “Wreck It Ralph” movie – Free Will Offering – Festival Hall
7:30 pm: Free Stage – Chrissie Hager
9 pm: Campbell Brothers Band - Grandstand
SUNDAY, June 22 --
Day Sponsors: Hefty Seed, The Arthur Companies
10 am: Gospel Hour - Festival Hall
11 am: Free Stage – Country Strings
11 am – 2 pm: Old Settlers Day Sign Up - Fair Office
11 am – 4:30 pm: Vendor Building Open
11 am – 4:30 pm: Penny House Video Game Play House – Under Grandstand
11 am – 6 pm: Butterfly Encounter – Midway
Noon: Free Stage – Connie Gjermundson
Noon – 3 pm: 4-H & FFA Exhibits on display - Static Building & Barns
Noon – 4 pm: Open Class Static Exhibits Building Open
Noon – 5 pm: Barnyard Buddies Petting Zoo - by Barns
Noon – 5 pm: Kids Zone - by Gazebo
Noon – 6 pm: Midway West Carnival
Noon – 6 pm: Bouncies Open - Midway
Noon – Close: Beer Gardens Open
1 pm: Dodgeball Tourney – Show Barn
1 pm: Free Stage – Spiritwood Homesteaders
1 – 4 pm: Museums Open
2 pm: Free Stage – B.M. Hanson Idol XIII
2 pm: Chariot & Chuckwagon Races / Rick Adams - Grandstand
2 pm: Wells County Historical Society Ice Cream Social
3 pm: Free Stage – Debi Rogers
3 – 4 pm: FFA Alumni Dunking Booth – Midway
3:30 pm: Skillet Throwing Contest – Grandstand
4 pm: Free Stage – B.M. Hanson Idol XIII
4 pm: Release Exhibits – 4-H, FFA & Open Class
CARNIVAL - MIDWAY WEST ---
4 - 10 pm: Thursday
Noon - 11 pm: Friday
Noon - 11 pm: Saturday
Noon - 6 pm: Sunday
BOUNCIES - NEAR THE MIDWAY ---
Noon - 8 pm: Friday
Noon - 8 pm: Saturday
Noon - 6 pm: Sunday
BUTTERFLY ENCOUNTER ---
11 - 8 pm: Friday
11 - 8 pm: Saturday
11 - 6 pm: Sunday
BARNYARD BUDDIES PETTING ZOO ---
2 - 9 pm: Friday
Noon - 9 pm: Saturday
Noon - 5 pm: Sunday
MUSEUMS OPEN ---
4 - 7 pm: Thursday
1 - 8 pm: Friday
1 - 7 pm: Saturday
Noon - 4 pm: Sunday
FREE STAGE ENTERTAINMENT ---
Friday: 1 – 7 pm At the Museum
Saturday: 10:30 am – 8 pm
Sunday: 1 – 4:30 pm
KIDS ZONE ---
3 – 8 pm: Friday
1 – 7 pm: Saturday
Noon – 5 pm: Sunday
OTHER SCHEDULES
WELLS COUNTY FAIR FREE STAGE ENTERTAINMENT 2025
(Tentative Schedule—Subject to Change)
F R I D A Y, J U N E 20, 2 0 2 5
11am-8pm - Butterfly Encounter in Tent South of the Grandstand (Walk Through)
**The Free Stage Tent will have the Battle of the Brewers 3-5pm-Setup 6-8pm-Taste Beers&Vote 8:30-9:30pm-Results**
1:00pm—The Museum Speaks at the Museum
3:30pm—
4:30pm—The Museum Speaks at the Museum
5:30pm—Peder Gjovik & Reed McConnaughey at the Museum – Presenting about WW2 & the Norwegian “Heavy Water War”- Denying Hitler the Atomic Bomb in Norway. The presenters will give background on Allied efforts in conjunction with Norwegian SOE operatives to conduct on-site sabotage or bombing of facilities for heavy water output. A Norwegian museum stands over the actual remnants of what is now referred to as the “Heavy Water Cellar”. Dr. Peder Gjovik retired in 2020 as an Emeritus Professor from VCSU. His family experienced the Nazi occupation of Norway, and this part of WWII history is a passion. Reed is a senior at Valley City & is considering history education as a career.
6:30pm—Wanda Melchert from the Manfred Museum will share Homesteading Stories at the Museum
S A T U R D A Y, J U N E 21, 2 0 2 5 (Parade 10am on Main Street)
11am-8pm - Butterfly Encounter in Tent South of the Grandstand (Walk Through)
10:30-12:00pm—Shriners Caliope (with animal balloons for kids)
12:00pm— Wren Kindseth, a young harpist from Grand Forks, is the daughter of Gretchen & Lucas Kindseth, former Fessenden teachers.
1:00pm—The Kleinsasser Sisters grew up in rural Chaseley. Marjorie Kleinsasser now resides in Fessenden and is a nurse at the St.Aloisius Medical Center in Harvey & Lydia Gessle runs her family farm at rural Bowdon with chickens and gardens to keep her busy. Together they harmonize with Gospel music & some fun older music.
1:00pm—The Museum Speaks at the Museum
2:00pm—James Scheer from Fessenden, now living in Cedar Rapids, IA, is back in town to demonstrate numerous feats of Mentalism. "Mind reading, predictions, & much more." Witness the powers of the mind.
3:00pm—The Perry Anderson Family from Fessenden, will sing their favorites.
4:00pm—Open Mic Time—stop by to sing a few of your favorites.
4:30pm—The Museum Speaks at the Museum
5:30pm—“Cheese Buttons” Anika Neumiller from Minot, will demonstrate how to make “Cheese Buttons”. Then serve samples of her favorite ways to eat the tasty treat at the Festival Hall.
6:30pm—Vicki Lenz from Crystal, North Dakota will sing a variety of music.
7:30pm—Chrissie Hager from Harvey, sings a variety of country and pop music – old and new!
S U N D A Y, J U N E 22 , 2 0 2 5 (10:00am Gospel Service at Festival Hall)
11am-6pm - Butterfly Encounter in Tent South of the Grandstand (Walk Through)
11:00am—Country Strings from Harvey. Jean Hauser, Dave Mettler, and Orlin Larson are members of the Frozen Fingers music group out of Minot.
12:00pm—Connie Gjermundson now from Towner, was raised in a ranching family on the beautiful prairies of western ND. She has been singing & playing music as long as she can remember & will play Old Country, Gospel, & Original music. She is a mother of 4 & has 10 precious grandchildren. Her songwriting reflects her life as a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother & friend. Music is therapy & by sharing her music she hopes to bring joy to others!
1:00pm— Spiritwood Homesteaders, from the homestead near Spiritwood Lake, Terry & Linda Schwartz are a family folk music group with Alternative Bluegrass /Folk/and Western music. Terry is a songwriter and will do many of his original music interspersed with some Cowboy Poetry. Formerly the Spiritwood Creek Band, they will have CDs available. Brian & Kathy Tebelius from Bowdon will be guest performers with the Band.
2:00pm—
3:00pm— Debi Rogers from Mandan. Debi’s enthusiasm, creativity, & humor shine when she shares the love of her Scottish-Irish heritage. A Gaelic harpist, Debi uses Celtic music, stories, & creative dramatics to teach her heritage.
4:00pm— American Idol?
***Sound System Provided by Perry Anderson – “Class A Music” ****
This project is supported in part by a grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts, which receives funding from the state legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Come Visit Us!
Vendor Building
THU: 3 pm – 7 pm
FRI: 11 am– 7 pm
SAT: 11 am– 7 pm
SUN: 11 am– 4:30 pm
Open Class Exhibit Building
WED: 8 am – 8 pm – Exhibit Entry & Booth Setup
THU:
9 am – 4:30 pm ~ Judging & Set Up
(closed to public)
5 – 9 pm ~ open to the public
(& Free Will Bake Sale)
FRI: 10 - 9 pm
(& Free Will Bake Sale)
SAT: Noon - 9 pm
SUN: Noon – 4 pm
4 – 5:30 pm ~ Check out of exhibits
4-H & FFA Static Exhibit Building
THU: 4 pm – 9 pm (& Bake Sale)
FRI: 10:30 am– 9 pm
SAT: Noon - 9 pm
SUN: Noon – 3 pm
4 – 5 pm ~ Release exhibits
Livestock & Horse, Fur & Feather Barns
THU: 4 pm – 9 pm
FRI: 9 am – 9:30 pm
SAT: Noon – 9 pm
SUN: Noon - 3 pm
4 – 6 pm ~ Release exhibits
Fairground Museums
THU: 4 pm – 7 pm
FRI: 1 pm – 8 pm
SAT: 1 pm – 7 pm
SUN: 1 pm – 4 pm
Manfred Heritage Museum
SAT: 1-4 pm
Sept. 7 – Manfred Festival & Field Day
Fairgrounds in 1921
Fairgrounds in 2021
ABOUT THE FAIR
Established in 1907 the Wells County Fair is a favorite summer tradition—celebrating over 100 years of fun, community, and heritage featuring the state's last "free-gate" admission. People flock to Fessenden, ND each year to experience thrilling carnival rides, vintage displays, mouthwatering food, 4-H and FFA exhibits, adorable animals, and incredible entertainment.
Don't miss the annual highlights like the Main Street Parade, Rhubarb Fest, Beer Gardens, and the fantastic array of local talent on the Free Stage. With exhilarating races, unique vendor shopping, and family-friendly entertainment around every corner, the Wells County Fair is where memories are made. Join us and be part of the tradition!
Fair Board
President - Joleen Swang
Vice President - Leann Schafer
Secretary - Mary Hartl
Treasurer - Wade Anderson
Board Members - Derek Fleming, JoDee Free, Mary Hager, Luke Hollenbeck, Carmen Pienaar, Donna Rau, Larry Reutter, Wanda Weckerly
JOIN THE
PARADE
Line up for the Main Street Parade beginning at 9 am on Saturday at the Wells County Courthouse. Fill out entry info on index card, which will be announced near the bank. No preregistration necessary. Everyone is welcome!
WHAT TO EAT
There are some great places to eat in Fessenden, ND, and all of the amazing "Fair Food". You won't go hungry during the Wells County Fair.
WHERE TO SHOP
Wells County Fair always has amazing vendors. More info coming soon!
OUR SPONSORS
A.W.S Electric
Allmaras Ag/Bremen Ag
Bollingberg Seeds
Brynjulson Farms
Columbia Grain
Community Credit Union
D&R Kost Inc.
Dakota Central
Dakota Heritage Bank
Don & Kathy Muscha
Feed Mix
First State Bank of Harvey
Fornshell Enterprises
Gooseneck Implement
High Plains Equipment
Hinrichs Supervalu
Klindworth Seed & Bean
Neumiller Harvesting
New Rockford Eagles Club
Rosa’s Pizza
Roughrider Feeds
Tracy’s Market
Wells County District Health
Westlie’s Truck Center
4 U Custom Apparel, B&B Service & Repair, Bessette Motor Inc., Bunker Supper Club & Lounge, Cash & Carry Lumber, Farmer’s Union Insurance, Freedom Ag, Frey Insurance Agency, Heartland Trailer Sales, Hertz Funeral Home, Houchin Tax, JAKs Diner, Joleen & Scott Swang, Kingdom Construction, Lautt’s Rental Center, Lemer’s Ace Hardware, Loren & Arlys Schmidt, Maddock Ranch Supply, Mary’s Daycare, Mid Dakota Lumber, Naily Now, Nelson Funeral Home, New York Life, North Dakota Telephone Co., Northern Family Wellness & Chiropractic, Northern Plains Electric Co-op, NuLine Insurance, OK Tires, Opdahl Body Shop, Opdahl Concrete, Opps Auto Body, Patzer Truck Repair, Pepple Insurance, Proseed, Riedesel Crop Insurance, Service Drug, Susag Sand & Gravel, Terpening Construction, Terri’s Daycare, TJ Plumbing, Tot Spot Childcare, Trojan Construction & Seamless Siding, Verendrye Electric, Vorland Land Company, Wells County Abstract Co., Wells County Farm Bureau
Bowdon Development Center Inc.
Carrington Drug
Central Pharmacy
Listing reflects sponsorships received as of May 16, 2025.