MINOT - Overcast skies and cooler temperatures didn't hamper the activities Wednesday at the North Dakota State Fair.

The ticket booths had lines when they opened the windows, people were gathering at the food stands and there were crowds in the exhibit buildings as the noon hour passed.

The fair runs through Saturday.

4-H experiences

Sisters Kayla and Kimberly Klein, of Hazen, showed their dairy cattle at this year's fair. It's Kayla's second year of competition, and she already has learned a lot about the importance of the networking that takes place during the event.

"It's a learning experience that I will carry for a lifetime," she said. "The communication skills I can use no matter what I choose to do with my future." Kayla, 17, also liked getting to know other teenagers from across the state who have the same background and interests.

"We have something in common and the friendships last all year long, even though we only see each other at the fair," Kayla said. The girls are with the Galloping Ghosts and travel with other 4-H students from New Salem. They have many friends who stop in to see them during the fair.

Kimberly, 13, is competing at her first state fair, even though she has been showing dairy cattle at the Mercer County Fair competitions for seven years. She likes the fun and food of the fair but says she also gained skills that she can use during her future competitions. "It's fun learning how others do their showing and getting ideas on how to do it better," she said. Sharing stories is another activity that the girls like to do with competitors they meet.

A family affair

The fair draws families. Wilfred and Jean Tuomala, of Perth, look forward to going to the fair to treat their grandchildren to an exciting time. Their grandchildren, Devin Warner, 10, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Miranda Wishhart, 9, from Rolla, also were looking forward to the event as a time to enjoy activities as cousins.

"It's one of the highlights of our summer," said Jean Tuomala. Both grandchildren spend the summer with the Tuomalas. Devin admits that he likes to take Miranda on the scary rides that she doesn't like.

Spending a lot of time with grandchildren can cause the Tuomalas to make sure that they are not only teaching their grandchildren how important being together is, but also important lessons. Behaving is part of that lesson as the children have to be good to earn the trip to the fair.

Getting to go to the fair is a privilege, and Devin knows it. Grandma said that they have a rule in their house: "The children aren't spoiled, just well-loved. That way they can get away with almost anything." Jean Tuomala, said, laughing.

Many years of enjoyment

There are many traditions behind the scenes at the fair. These traditions are hidden in the pockets of the people who create the fair year after year. Those who set up exhibits, run contests, book entertainment or bring in booths are a very important part of the event.

Laverne and Marlyne Kraft, of Washburn, are examples of the tradition. They used to show cattle for many years and now take the time to drive to Minot to enjoy the fair as spectators. In turn, they have a daughter-in-law and grandson, from Streeter, who have a booth where they sell livestock chemicals and grooming equipment.

Even though Laverne Kraft insists that his favorite part of the fair is going home, he added that he still enjoys walking through the livestock barns to see the animals. Marlyne Kraft's favorite part of the fair is the exhibits and commercial buildings.

Whether someone goes to the fair to enjoy time with family members, to show an animal or to gather for some good old-fashioned fun, the tradition is handed down in North Dakota as generations continue to flock to one of the most anticipated events of the year.