MINOT (AP) - Organizers of this year's Prairie Rose State Games are hoping for 4,500 participants.

The games are rotated among Fargo, Bismarck-Mandan, Minot and Grand Forks.

The last time they were held in Minot, in 2005, there were about 2,450 entrants. In 2001, nearly 5,400 people competed in Minot. The record number of entrants in the 21-year history of the annual games is 7,252, in Bismarck in 1999.

The 2008 games are July 11-13. The opening ceremonies are set for Minot State University's Herb Parker Stadium. The sporting events will be held at various sites around Minot.

"The mission of the games is to provide a multisport festival for the people of North Dakota," said Bob King, president of the Prairie Rose State Games board of directors. "Skill level doesn't mean anything. Just come and have fun and participate."

The Prairie Rose office at Minot Municipal Auditorium was to open today, the same day online registration was to become available at www.prairierose.org.