It's official. The North Dakota State Fair has embraced 21st century technology.

Set for Friday through July 28 in Minot, the 42nd annual fair includes a text messaging competition, a GPSscavenger hunt and a friendly robot named "Seamore"who will interact with fairgoers.

"Certainly, the fair tries to be as current as possible," Bob Wagoner, fair manager, said.

The fair is up-to-date, but it hasn't forgotten old standards like agricultural exhibits and the Bull-a-Rama.

"Over the years, this fair has earned the reputation of being one of the best agricultural fairs in North America," Wagoner said.

This year's competitive agricultural exhibits and rodeo will be bigger and better than ever, he said.

Skilled riders will take on bulls during the Bull-a-Rama on July 24-25 at the All Seasons Arena.

For a lighthearted followup to the Bull-a-Rama, riders will compete in the fair's first Ranch Rodeo on July 26.

Ranch rodeo cowboys and cowgirls compete against each other in events such as trailer loading and wild cow milking.

"Ranch rodeos are becoming more and more popular, so we thought we would try it," Wagoner said.

Visitors also can check out new rides on the carnival midway and 10 free stages of entertainment.

People ages 13 and up can test their speed and texting skills against nimble competition during the first state fair text messaging competition at 1:30 p.m. July 28 at Jukebox Junkie Stage.

Visitors also can participate in a virtual geocaching scavenger hunt from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 23, 24 and 25. Participants may use their own GPS units or check one out at the 4-H office in the State Fair Center. Prizes will be awarded.

Sponsored by the Vegas Motel, "Seamore," the remote-controlled robot, will wander the fairgrounds July 20-28, greeting people and asking them questions.

"The strength of the state fair this year is the fact that we have several different draws that appeal to several different age demographics," Wagoner said.

Performing on the grandstand will be Reba, Randy Owen, Big & Rich with Cowboy Troy, Dierks Bentley, the Enduro Auto Race, Demolition Derby and Kahuna Beach Party and the Classic Car Show. A grandstand pass, good for admission to each headliner, is $65.

Separately, Daughtry will play Saturday, with tickets set at $30. Def Leppard will play July 26, with tickets at $35. Party in the Dirt with 32 Below will be July 28, with tickets at $10.

"I think this is the perfect year to plan on staying an extra day at the fair," Wagoner said. "It's the best family entertainment bargain of the year."

Fair marketing director Jessica Bullinger said attendance has increased every year for the past six years. Bullinger hopes the 2007 fair will set a new record of more than 248,000 visitors.

Gates open daily at 8 a.m. and carnival rides and midway games will be open from 1 p.m. to midnight. Admission is $7 for adults and $3 for children ages 7 to 12.

Tickets are available in advance at www.ndstatefair.com or by calling 701-852-FAIR.

Tickets also can be purchased from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the ticket window of the State Fair Center, 2005 Burdick Expressway E., in Minot.

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