ST. CLOUD — The forecast couldn’t be better for the Governor’s Fishing Opener in St. Cloud this weekend — or for any other outdoor activity in Central Minnesota.

The National Weather Service expects sunny skies, a high of 77 degrees and winds of no more than 5 mph on Saturday, the opening day of the season.

Opener events in St. Cloud begin Friday for the public, with the Opener By George picnic at Lake George. Friday’s forecast calls for a high of 72 degrees and partly sunny skies.

The community picnic, from 4 to 8 p.m., includes up to 7,500 free meals courtesy of donors supporting the 70th annual Governor’s Fishing Opener. Gov. Mark Dayton and Lt. Gov. Tina Smith will speak. Also planned: live music and local craft beer.