North Dakota State Fair: Saturday Attendance - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

North Dakota State Fair: Saturday Attendance

Attendance numbers for day two --- the first Saturday of the 2012 North Dakota State Fair remain strong.

A total of 46,678 people walked the fairgrounds on Saturday.

That's down about 7,000 people from the corresponding Saturday in 2010 and brings the total for the year today down by about 3,000 --- but we still have a full week to go.

An exact count is not kept for the concerts included on the Grandstand Showpass, but since the showpass was sold out this year, the grandstands had a huge crowd for the Zac Brown concert last night.

Tonight, Luke Bryan has taken the stage.

Two pedestrians were struck by vehicles late Saturday night.

The first adult was hit on Burdick Expressway and the vehicle fled the scene.

The second adult jutted into traffic on 4th Ave near the fairgrounds and the driver was unable to stop.

Both pedestrians were examined by Community Ambulance and declined transport for further treatment.

Minot Police Department Sgt. Paul Burns says the number of minor traffic accidents near the fairgrounds have not been tallied --- but he says the number is high.

Sgt. Burns encourages pedestrians to use caution crossing traffic, even if you are in a crosswalk.

The fair is full of high-action fun like rides and rock concerts.

However, many fair-goers are taking a break from the heat to get in on some shopping at the Commercial Exhibit Buildings.

Kelli Volk spoke with some vendors and customers about the variety of unique fair finds.

"What kind of treasures can you find in the exhibit buildings at the fair?

Perhaps the better question is "What can't you find?".

Everything from jewelry, to clothes, to mattresses, and even the occasional teeth whitening service can be found at the fair.

This large market full of variety is what keeps vendors coming back year after year.

(Greg Gantt, Vendor)"We have been here for seven years."

(DeeDee Dreier, Vendor)"This fair--we've been--I believe this is five years, well four years because of last year."

With three different commercial exhibit halls, anyone visiting the fair is sure to find a treasure or two that they can take home.

One customer didn't have to search too hard before finding his favorite item.

(Robert Rafferty, Bismarck Resident)"Just walking around seeing what they have here.  Sitting in the swing."

While everyone's opinions may differ in what they find most appealing in the exhibit halls--it seems they can all agree on one thing.

(Greg Gantt, Vendor)"The AC is really nice.  We like working inside a little bit better."

(DeeDee Dreier, Vendor)"I almost felt a little bit guilty putting a jacket on when it's so warm outside.  But, yes, that part has been very nice."

(Robert Rafferty, Bismarck Resident)"After walking outside for the last hour or so, coming in a building with AC was nice."

From the fairgrounds, Kelli Volk, KX News."

Just like the shopping options, variety is key on the Midway.

Murphy Brothers Exposition and the North Dakota State Fair have worked hand-in-hand for 36 years.

This year, you'll find three new carnival rides along the Midway: Vertigo, Hard Rock, Full Tilt.

Vertigo will satisfy those friendly with heights, swinging as high as the Ferris Wheel on the opposite side of the park for a great view of the fairgrounds.

Full Tilt is a fun variation of a familiar favorite, spinning speedy circles while facing forward while the seats tilt forward at the top for an extra thrill.

And Hard Rock tumbles and spins in all directions and it's the only traveling ride of its kind in the mid-west.

Murphy Brothers PIO Ted Buzunis says it's great to be back to the North Dakota State Fair after missing last year and he especially appreciated seeing the new Grandstand building for the first time.

 (Ted Buzunis, Murphy Brothers Expositions) "Of course what do I have to say about the Grandstands? It's probably one of the best in the United States as far as the entertainment and definitely the best Grandstand I've ever seen and I've been in the business since I was a little boy. It's great to be back here. I'm glad that Minot is coming back and I wish all the people good luck that lost their homes."

Buzunis says there's about 40 million dollars worth of entertainment on the black top this year.