Carnival Comes to Bismarck | Video

Michelle San Miguel | 7/24/2011

The State Fair in Minot may have been canceled because of the flood, but some of its attractions have made its way to Bismarck.

Reed Exposition Midway was one of the companies scheduled to be at the State Fair. It moved about 25 rides to the Gateway Mall parking lot and other attractions to Fargo.

"I think it`s a really great idea," said Kim Meissner. "It`s great for the economy and great for the people of Bismarck and Fargo."

Kelly Jahner said, "My kids love it. And it`s been a great time and it`s actually a nice day so it`s been a great time."

Reed Exposition Midway is donating some of the proceeds from its carnivals in Bismarck and Fargo to help with the Minot flood relief.

"We are helping our fellow North Dakotans so I think that`s very important to do," Meissner said. "I think the fact that we`re all willing to pitch in and help each other is just a great thing. I think that`s what North Dakota is about."

Sarah Schillo said, "I think that`s wonderful for those people up there. They have suffered so much and even a little bit helps."

The $25 wristband lets carnival-goers ride as much as they want throughout that day. Some said they were more inclined to spend more money at the carnival knowing some of it is going to help Minot.

"That makes me if we do go home and take a nap to bring my kids back and actually eat supper here and what not to even spend more money here because I think that Minot needs as much help as possible," Jahner said.

"This is a little bit expensive, but it`s going toward a wonderful cause so it`s a good thing," Schillo said. "They have some rides for adults and they have some rides for the younger kids so that`s really good. So everybody can have fun. The old and the young."

And a young boy will tell you while the Bismarck carnival may look different from the State Fair, it`s all in how you look at things.

"Little bit smaller but doesn`t matter," said Jayden Luck.

The Bismarck carnival ends Thursday. It runs from 5 p.m. to midnight during weekdays.

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