A fair share of people cursed Monday's hot weather, but lemonade stand owners weren't complaining.

In the first three days of the North Dakota State Fair in Minot, nearly 84,000 people attended.

Over the next five days, thousands more will come to the fairgrounds for competitions, concerts and other attractions.

Thanks to the triple-digit heat, lemonade sales were booming for Straight's Concessions, part-owner Jim Straight said.

Jim Straight's father, Ray, started the family business 60 years ago, selling popcorn at fairs. Straight Concessions has had booths at every North Dakota State Fair since it became official 42 years ago.

"Some families go to the lake," Jim Straight's daughter, Laura, said. " We go to the fair to work."

"I think we've figured out what works well for us," Jim Straight's son, Shannon, said.

This year, the Straights have 10 food booths on the fairgrounds, including three lemonade stands.

Fair manager Bob Wagoner said there are approximately 60 food vendors and 600 commercial vendors at the fair this year.

"There's a lot for people to see,"Wagoner said. "They need to come and plan on spending a lot of time because you don't want to miss any of it."

This year's must-see commercial product is the Cruzin Cooler, a scooter-cooler combination that can travel 18 mph, Cruzin Cooler representative Brent Rowe said.

Lucky Lenny the clown has been spotted riding around the fairgrounds on the Cruzin Cooler he purchased three years ago. Lenny said he has gotten a lot of use out of his cooler and he hopes to trade it in for a newer model.

Cruzin Coolers, which weigh between 50 and 74 pounds, come in various sizes and colors. Electric models have a 10-mile range, and gas-powered models have a 30-mile range.

Cruzin Coolers are 24 inches long and 17 inches wide. Optional padded seats and backrests may be added for comfort.

Rowe said the cooler can be used for hunting, sporting events, camping, golf and other recreational activities.

On the grandstand tonight, the Demolition Derby kicks off at 7.

Upcoming grandstand acts include Big & Rich with Cowboy Troy, Dierks Bentley, and Kahuna Beach Party and the Classic Car Show. A Grandstand Pass, good for admission to each headliner, is $65.

Separately, Def Leppard will play Thursday, with tickets at $35. Party in the Dirt with 32 Below will be Saturday, with tickets at $10.

Tickets still can be purchased at the grandstand on the fairgrounds, at www.ndstatefair.com or by calling 701-852-FAIR.

(Reach reporter Alyssa Schafer at 250-8264 or alyssa.schafer@;bismarcktribune.com.)