Gear Up For Grand Opening Of McKenzie County Ag Expo June 15

The McKenzie County Ag Expo is in its final stages of completion in preparation for the grand opening during the McKenzie County Fair. The ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 15 at the Bulls & Broncs event.

The idea was rooted in giving the McKenzie County Fairgrounds an upgrade, but it was quickly determined that an entire new facility would be the better option, as the fairgrounds were limited on surrounding land to expand onto. Three potential building sites were looked at and the chosen location at the bypass on US Highway 85 on the west side of Watford City was the most easily accessible. The 211 acres that was once a bare field is the new home to the 112,000 square foot McKenzie County Ag Expo, with the exhibit hall being 15,500 square feet and the livestock expo being 52,000 square feet. The site also has an arena and grandstand able to accommodate 2,300 people.

"The Ag Expo can hold events ranging from rodeos and motorsports, to weddings and banquets, and everything in between," said McKenzie County Ag Expo Director Chris Kubal. "The McKenzie County Ag Expo will enhance the community and bring people together and can be used by anyone."

FCI served as the general contractor for the project, breaking ground in the fall of 2021.

"FCI has been awesome. I can't say enough good things about them. Without them, there would be no way we'd be ready for the fair in June," Kubal commented.

In addition to hosting the McKenzie County Fair, the North Dakota Rodeo Association finals and Stan Headings Bares & Broncs have contracted through 2025. Indoor motocross is on the books, as is the facility's first wedding. However, the possibilities are endless; McKenzie County Ag Expo is in communications with the National Truck and Tractor Pull and RC racing cars, and events such as Dust and Diamonds or Leather and Lace, a Cowboy Christmas event, pumpkin patch, and barrel racing have all been discussed as possibilities.

"This has all been done with huge support from the McKenzie County Commissioners and I'm hoping people come out and enjoy what McKenzie County has to offer," Kubal remarked.

If anyone is interested in renting the facility, contact Events Coordinator Kylee Roff at 701-580-3387 or Kubal at 701-842-EXPO once they have officially opened. Kubal can also be contacted at 701-580-2976. The McKenzie County Ag Expo is located at 12880 25th St. NW, Watford City, ND.