Eds: APNewsNow.

Minot, N.D. (AP) Officials of the North Dakota State Fair report 86,794 people walked through the gates during the fair's opening weekend, about 3,000 more than last year.

Fair Manager Bob Wagoner says, "The weather cooperated, the State Fair parade was the best in years and Matchbox 20 had a great concert on Saturday night." He says he could not have asked for a better opening weekend.

The fair's marketing director, Shannon Pearson, says high Gasoline Prices helped encourage people to stay closer to home.

Pearson says visitors have told fair officials they are rediscovering the fair for the first time in years.

The State Fair continues its run through Saturday.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-21-08 1525CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list