The North Dakota State Fair continues to grow like never before, with new construction and added features.

This last year, the state Legislature passed a $15 million contract to open a new grandstand. It is not being constructed yet, but it is the early stages of development.

"We are in the first phase right now, that is the engineering, the utility work and ordering steel," said Bob Wagoner, the general manager of the North Dakota State Fair.

There are three phases to the project. The next will be construction; the third is the finishing touches.

"We plan to begin construction right after the fair is over," said Wagoner. The hope is to open the new grandstand July 23, 2010, he added.

This year's fair will run from July 24 to Aug. 1. Parking will be available for free in the East Lot of the fairgrounds.

Gate admissions for youth are $3 a day or $15 for a season pass. Adult prices are $7 a day or $20 for a season. A mega carnival pass can be purchased for $60.

Crowd favorites as well as new events will be offered at the fair this year.

On the opening Saturday of the fair, the parade will begin at 9:15 a.m. This year's theme is "Pumpin' in the Bakken." The parade will start on the corner of Broadway and Burdick Expressway and run through town to the Fairgrounds.

July 25 will have the first-ever pie competition, judged by first lady Mikey Hoeven. It will be held in state fair center lobby at noon, with cash prizes awarded to the top three pies. Earlier in the day will be a run-the-route race at 7:30 a.m.; prizes and concert tickets will be awarded to top finishers.

July 28 is family day and military appreciation day. Guard members as well as active duty and reserve members will receive discounted prices on admissions and a free beef picnic.

Alumni and friends are invited to the Minot State University luau party at the North Dakota State Fair on July 29 from 5 to 8 p.m. The event will be held in the outdoor area of the Flickertail Gardens in conjunction with the Devonshires, with music ranging from 1964 to 1974, and the Classic Car Show. For more information, contact Tawnya Bernsdorf at 858-3234 or tawnya.bernsdorf @;minotstateu.edu.

Livestock competitions will occur daily throughout the fair. These include horse, beef, sheep and swine entries.

"We have new livestock events this year, On July 25, draft horses will be doing different courses and events,"said Kristie Moldenhauer, human resources and competitive exhibits director for the fair.

The junior steer and heifer show is expected to be one of the biggest livestock attractions. It is at 8 a.m. on July 29.

Many people who compete in the fair stay the whole week.

"We are expecting the same numbers as last year, and they were pretty good for us," Moldenhauer said.

At midnight on the closing day, fireworks will signal the end of the celebration.

Concerts

The concerts and ticket prices are as follows:

n July 24: Motley Crue, Theory of a Deadman; $45.

n July 25: Taylor Swift, Glorianna; $55.

n July 26: Rodney Atkins and Heidi Newfield; $55.

n July 30: Garry Allan; $55.

n July 31: Dierks Bentley; $55.

n Aug. 1: Good Charlotte. Tickets are $25. Can be purchased for $20 at the door with a Coke UPC.

A Grandstand Showpass is offered for $65. It includes concerts for Taylor Swift, Dierks Bentley, Gary Allan, and Rodney Atkins and Heidi Newfield. Doors open at 7 p.m followed by the concert at 8 p.m.