The North Dakota State Fair had almost 3,100 more people attend its opening weekend than it did last year.

Attendance figures released by the fair said from Friday through Sunday, 86,794 visitors walked through the gates.

"(Friday) was down a little bit from last year, which we kind of anticipated, because the grandstand entertainment wasn't as strong as last year and because of the questionable weather," said Bob Wagoner, State Fair manager.

Shannon Pearson, State Fair marketing director, attributed the increase in attendance to a wider variety of attractions and to rising gas prices

"So far so good, but we're cautiously optimistic about the rest of the run, and if the weather cooperates, I think it's going to be a great fair," Wagoner said. "All the things we can control are going just great and one thing we can't control is the weather."

The State Fair runs through Saturday. Concert acts for this week include performances from Christian band Casting Crowns, country stars Jason Aldean and Miranda Lambert and country group Sugarland.

For more information, call the State Fair office at 701-857-7620 or visit www.ndstatefair.com.

(Reach reporter Chris Rosacker at 250-8254 or chris.rosacker@;bismarcktribune.com.)