Exciting progress is taking place at the Ramsey County Fairgrounds and Peterson Arena with the construction of the Western State Bank Event Center — a long-anticipated project that is finally coming to life. Connected to the north end of the 4-H Hall (formerly the Ramsey County Event Center) along Highway 19, the impressive new facility is hard to miss. Measuring 150 feet wide by 250 feet long, the building provides ample space to host a wide range of indoor events throughout the year.

One of the first groups to utilize the new facility was the Devils Lake Rural Fire Department, which hosted departments from across North Dakota for critical hands-on training. The arena’s 35-foot-high ceilings allowed flexible training scenarios, including:

  • Ag Entanglement, a new North Dakota Firefighters’ Association course focusing on emergency response involving augers, chains, pressure entrapment, and protest devices like the “Sleeping Dragon.”
  • Propane/NH3 Events, featuring tank construction safety, proper chemical handling, and a live fire demonstration.

Participants were treated to delicious meals provided by the local 4-H program. (Side note: the Ag Entanglement instructors are funding the course themselves and are seeking old 6”-10” augers for training. If you have one to donate, please call Lee Gessner at 662-4766.)

Contractor Dennis Gleason reports that the facility will be largely complete for its Grand Opening in June. Once the frost lifts, crews will pour 35 feet of concrete along the west side to support retractable bleachers with seating for over 1,300 spectators. When not in use, the retractable bleacher area will be available for vendors, Shooting Sports events, and other flexible uses.

Inside the arena, features include:

  • Spacious men’s and women’s restrooms
  • Two meeting rooms with a retractable divider
  • Concession stand
  • Announcers stand with a professional sound system
  • 19’ x 30’ overhead door
  • Clay/sand arena base for optimal footing
  • Removable arena panels for versatile events
  • Six oversized ceiling fans for airflow
  • Electrical plug-ins for vendors

Community backing, including support from the Ramsey County Commission, Devils Lake Rodeo Club, local veterans groups, DLYA, and NDSU Extension – Ramsey County, played a vital role in bringing this project to life.

Curt Teigen, a member of the Devils Lake Rodeo Club, shared his gratitude:

“Thank you to the Ramsey County Fair Board for having the vision to build this facility. It’s not an easy or inexpensive task. This venue will support countless 4-H, youth, agricultural, equestrian, entertainment, livestock, and rodeo events. It preserves our rural and agricultural heritage and will serve our children and grandchildren for years to come.

For us in the Rodeo Club, this means no more converting the hockey arena back and forth—we’ve done that 20 times, and it’s a huge task. This new venue brings better seating, first-class views, a state-of-the-art sound system, and video upgrades for both spectators and contestants.”

Facility Rentals Available

All the facilities which include the Western State Bank Event Center, 4-H Hall, Altringer Arena & Peterson Arena are available for public use. These facilities also include the Ramsey County Farm Bureau and Ramsey County Farmers Union meeting rooms along with the Bergstrom Announcer Stand. To inquire about availability, rental rates, and event options, contact NDSU Extension – Ramsey County at 701-662-7027. A website that allows online booking will be available in June. These spaces are perfect for meetings, expos, livestock shows, receptions, and more.

Mark Your Calendars: Grand Opening Celebration!

Join us for the official Grand Opening of the Western State Bank Event Center during Ramsey County 4-H Achievement Days:

  • Friday, June 27
    • 5:00 p.m. – Steak & Burger Fry along with Pop’s Bar onsite. Proceeds go toward the building fund.
    • 7:30 p.m. – Free Live Music from the Ryan Keplin Band
  • Saturday, June 28
    • 11:30 a.m. – Ribbon Cutting & Flag Dedication Ceremony featuring veterans from the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Tim Running Post 24, Neathery Simenson Post 756, and the Regan McLean Chapter 5, along with a special performance by the Ramsey Riders 4H Horse Drill Team.

A beautifully designed flagpole and flower display will also be unveiled, proudly sponsored by and in honor of our local veterans’ organizations.

After more than 20 years of planning, the Western State Bank Event Center is no longer just a dream—it’s a regional resource that will benefit Northeastern North Dakota for generations to come. We are Committed to providing quality, family-driven programming and events for the residents of the Ramsey County area.

The Ramsey County Fair Board extends sincere thanks to all sponsors, donors, and volunteers who have made this milestone possible.

Want to help?

If you’re interested in supporting this valued community project while gaining positive exposure for your business or organization, the Ramsey County Fair Board still has a variety of sponsorship opportunities available. From naming rights to advertising space, there are options to fit any level of support—big or small. For more information, please contact any Ramsey County Fair Board member: Paul Becker, Elizabeth Black, Alvina Ebensteiner, Connie Hanson, Darren Wilcox, Andrew Everson, Margaret Kvalevog, Lee Gessner or Brett Buchmeier.

Stay tuned for updates and photos as we get closer to opening day!

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