BISMARCK – Pride of Dakota Day at the North Dakota State Fair marks its 25th year, Monday, July 22, at the State Fairgrounds in Minot.

“As always, Pride of Dakota Day is a great time and place for fairgoers to meet, shop, and share lunch,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “More than 20 Pride of Dakota companies will be offering a wide range of products, such as food and condiments, notecards, recordings, books, apparel, jewelry and much more.”

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., under the large tent near the southwest corner of the fairgrounds.

“The Pride of Dakota lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.,” Goehring said. “For just one dollar, you’ll get a grilled hot dog, potato chips and milk.”

Cloverdale Foods, Land O’ Lakes, the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association and Pan-O-Gold Baking Co. sponsor the lunch with proceeds going to the North Dakota FFA.

The annual Pride of Dakota Kuchen Contest will be held at 3 p.m., just outside the Pride of Dakota tent.

“Persons who bring a non-perishable food item, such as canned goods, will get a dollar taken off their admission fee to the fair,” Goehring said. “The food will be donated to the Great Plains Food Bank for distribution to the needy.”

Administered by the Marketing and Information Division of the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, the Pride of Dakota program provides member companies with cooperative marketing and promotional events, such as Pride of Dakota Day, the Holiday Showcases and in-store demonstrations. The program also provides educational opportunities and representation at regional, national and international marketing expositions. More than 500 North Dakota companies are Pride of Dakota members.