The North Dakota State Fair has many opportunities to occupy a day. That is why people take a road trip to Minot to enjoy the rides, carnival games and State Fair concessions. Three Bismarck friends did just this.

Kelsi Sheelar, Lauren Schneibel and Britny Baker enjoyed the 97-degree weather on Tuesday by going on all their favorite rides and enjoying their favorite foods and lemonade.

"It was just a good day," Schneibel said about why they attended the fair on this particular day.

Tuesday also was buy one get one free wristband day.

The State Fair rides are numerous, but there are a few that can be seen towering over the others. One of these such rides is the Zipper, which features a ferris wheel-type seat that zips all around. As the fair motto describes "what a ride."

"That one is my all time favorite ride," Sheelar said.

There was a retreat from the hot summer day that blazed outside. Inside warehouse-type buildings, air conditioning conquered the heat and allowed people to shop for everything from jewelry to gourmet cookware.

But back outside there were free kiddie rides, a petting zoo and a camel waiting to be ridden.

"The zebra was awesome," Schneibel said about their visit to the petting zoo.

Overall the fair offers many opportunities to fairgoers whether it is for the entire week or for just a day, even when a nighttime concert isn't the main attraction.

(Kay Kemmet can be reached at kay.kemmet@bismarcktribune.com.)