Friday marks the first day of this year's State Fair in Minot, and officials are expecting a big day followed by an even bigger weekend.

Events on the kick-off day include team calf roping, a dodgeball tournament and Miss Rodeo pageant, plus scores of other activities.

"The real key for this fair is that there is such an amazingly broad diversity of entertainment and activities," said Bob Wagoner, manager of the North Dakota State Fair.

The events start at 8 a.m. with a quarter horse show which will run all day. Wagoner said he expects around 700 horses to be registered in multiple events.

"It's interesting because there are so many of them and second of all because they are entered in so many events, staggered throughout the whole day," Wagoner said. "So it's a busy, exciting day for them."

Also starting at 8 a.m. is the first of the Miss Rodeo contests, which includes horsemanship and style competitions. Miss Rodeo lasts throughout the day with a coronation of the winner at 4:30 p.m.

Later into the morning, the dodgeball contest begins at 10 a.m. with six to eight estimated teams squaring off to be crowned the champs.

Wagoner said the competition is usually between different clubs, such as Rotary or Lions clubs, which put teams together.

"Everybody gets some exercise, and it's a lot of fun," he said.

At high noon, duos of cowboys will compete in the team roping competitions.

Wagoner said the competition can get fierce in this popular event, not just for the prize money, but also because the winners get title of state champions to use in their breeding programs and businesses.

"It's a very competitive sport in this part of the country," Wagoner said.

Other entertainment includes the Fur Trader's Rendezvous of exotic animals, pig racing, a petting zoo, a comedian, more than 600 venders, livestock exhibits and the carnival.

The carnival runs from 11 a.m. to midnight every day, but will stay open late Friday for "Midnight Madness" until 2 a.m.

"Our opening Friday is always big," Wagoner said. "But we are predicting our first Saturday will be bigger because of our entertainment � and because people aren't working that day."

Wagoner expects the band Matchbox Twenty will draw the crowds when they take the stage at 8 p.m. Saturday. He said the band's limited appearances this year make the band's stop at the fair a rare opportunity.

Tickets for the performance are $45. Daily unlimited carnival wristbands are $30. For more information, contact State Fair officials at 701-852-FAIR or ndstatefair.com.

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