Evan Brandt/MDN People enjoy a nice day at the Pierce County Fairgrounds.

RUGBY — Beneath a summer sun and a wide blue sky, the Pierce County Fair came to life once again in Rugby this past week, drawing crowds from across North Dakota — and far beyond — for four days of celebration, community and pure, unfiltered fun.

From the moment the gates opened, the fairgrounds buzzed with the sounds of laughter, music and the hum of carnival rides set against the backdrop of rustling grain fields and open plains. Children darted from booths to bounce houses, cotton candy in hand. Teenagers gathered in line for the ferris wheel and spinning rides, while older visitors strolled leisurely through rows of craft vendors and 4-H exhibits showcasing hand-stitched quilts, prize livestock and jars of jewel-toned jam.

Among the thousands in attendance this year were Greg and Linda Martin, a retired couple from Traverse City, Michigan, who had never set foot in North Dakota before last week.

“We were road-tripping out west and saw a billboard for the fair,” said Linda Martin. “We didn’t know what to expect, but it’s been the highlight of our trip. The people here are so friendly.”

Vendors lined the walkways with sizzling grills and deep fryers, serving everything from barbecued brisket and smoked turkey legs to mini donuts, funnel cakes and North Dakota’s own twist on fair fare: kuchen slices and lefse wraps. Local church groups dished up homemade pies under striped tents, while food trucks offered hand-dipped corn dogs, root beer floats in frosted mugs and lemonade.

Evan Brandt/MDN Animals are at the fair to be judged for 4-H competitions.

This year’s fair packed its schedule with a mix of beloved traditions and fresh additions. The grandstand filled for the demolition derby, where roaring engines and flying fenders brought thunderous cheers. Rodeo fans were treated to mutton busting for the little ones and bareback mini-bronc riding for the brave-hearted.

The midway, operated by Heartland Carnival, lit up the evenings with rides like the Zipper, Tilt-a-Whirl and the classic carousel, all backed by flashing lights and bursts of music. Families posed for photos under glowing signs and lined up for carnival games offering oversized plush toys, plastic guitars and light-up cowboy hats.

But for all its thrills, the fair remains grounded in the values that built it: community pride, hard work and small-town tradition. The 4-H barns stayed busy with young handlers proudly showing their animals — from goats, pigs and clucking chickens to steers and dairy cows groomed to perfection. Judges moved through rows of lovingly crafted sewing, woodworking and baking projects, awarding blue ribbons and handshakes with equal enthusiasm.

Local musicians and dance troupes performed under the entertainment tent, while evening concerts brought in regional acts that had crowds clapping, two-stepping and singing along as the sun set behind the grandstands.

While the fair has always drawn from across northern North Dakota — with families driving in from Bottineau, Devils Lake and Minot — more and more out-of-state visitors have begun to take notice.

Evan Brandt/MDN Animals are at the fair to be judged for 4-H competitions.

Greg and Linda Martin, the couple from Michigan, said they plan to return next summer, this time with their grandkids.

“You don’t get this feeling at a theme park or a resort,” Greg Martin said, “There’s joy here. There’s history here. It feels real.”

Evan Brandt/MDN A classic truck stands as a memorial for veterans to sign or family members of veterans can write a personal message. It is a testament to Pierce County’s appreciation of the military.