Our Story
The Grand Forks County Fairgrounds have hosted the annual County Fair, race events, horse events and other events since 1904. The North Dakota State Fair was also held on the grounds periodically until the early 1960's. Most of the buildings from the State Fair days are no longer on the grounds. However, the main grandstands, the stone arches at the main entrance, and an octagon building are all on the National Historic Register. They were built by the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression. The facilities were dedicated by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1937.
The Greater Grand Forks Fair & Exhibition is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. The Greater Grand Forks Fair & Exhibition is guided by a volunteer board that meets the second Wednesday of every month. Meetings are held at the fairgrounds at 5:30PM CST and are open to the public.
Meeting agendas may be found here.
Board of Directors & Staff
Connie joined the board several years ago after many years of volunteering. When Connie isn't busy with the duties of the fair, she can often be found in the fields of her family farm. Connie's brother Marty also helps with the fair, speedway, and in running the family farm. Connie has been very active helping with projects on the grounds. Her experience running equipment comes in handy on these projects and getting things done during the Fair. Connie also serves on the Social Media team leading up to and during the Fair.
Connie Klava-Finnie - President
Bill has been a member of the board for approximately 15 years. He came to the board because of his experience with the Red River Valley Horse Show Association and as a parent of a 4-H participant. Bill took over as Vice President from his uncle, Arvin Kvasager, a long time member of the board after Arvin's retirement. Bill is also a former sprint car race driver at the River Cities Speedway. Bill's wife, Jill is responsible for the beautiful flower displays throughout the fairgrounds that guests can see during fair week.
Bill Kvasager - Vice President
Mark has served on the board for the Fair for 17 years, and has served as Secretary for that entire time. He came to the Fair because of his long time involvement with the 4-H program, and still works with the program on a wide range of programs. He handles much of the paperwork for the organization, helps book most of the entertainment, and helps with things like security and parking for the Fair. In addition to his duties with the Fair, he manages the ATM located at the Speedway for the Fair. He has served on the board for the North Dakota Association of Fairs, and continues to serve on the Showcase Committee for the Dakota Fairs Convention.
Mark Landa - Secretary
Brandis returned as manager for the Greater Grand Forks Fair & Exhibition in February of 2024. Brandis previously worked as the manager from 2010-2016 and is excited to resume her role as Fair Manager. She believes in incorporating agriculture and education through exhibits and entertainment during the fair.
Brandis Lafrombois - Fair Manager
Keith has served on the fair board for at least a decade. His initial involvement began because of his long time involvement with the Red River Valley Horse Show Association and his daughter's involvement with 4-H. He currently serves as the Grounds Manager for the organization and is in charge of facility maintenance and winter storage rental. He was instrumental in building a new horse arena and other improvements with that facility over the past several years. Keith also works with the Barrel Run Series, the Horse Show Association, and 4-H on their horse events. He also assists River Cities Speedway with the racetrack, School Bus Races and other events.
Keith Eggl
Diane has been a friend of the board for several years, serving as the Grand Forks County Commission representative for the fair. Diane recently returned as director and is excited to return as a director. When Diane is not busy with fair duties, she can be found spending time gardening.
Diane Knauf
Terry has served on the Greater Grand Forks Fair board of directors for many years, including the years that the Fair ran the racetrack before 1999. During his lengthy tenure at the fair, Terry has served as Treasurer and President. Terry is a retired farmer in the Grand Forks area, and also worked as a CPA in Grand Forks.
Terry Stromsodt