Donnie and Luke Blizzard - AgCarolina

State Fair runs in Raleigh, October 16-26
State Fair
Offers Something for Everyone
“The fair is such a popular
event for many North
Carolinians that we felt an
additional day is warranted
to allow people as much
time as possible to enjoy the
Fair,” said Wesley Wyatt,
State Fair manager.
6 AgCarolina Financial • Autumn 2008
The N.C. State Fair may be weeks away, but
there’s already an excitement at the fairgrounds
as preparations continue for the annual event.
One reason for the flurry of activity is the Fair
will open early for a Preview Day on Thursday,
Oct. 16, giving fairgoers an additional evening
of rides, food and games.
“The fair is such a popular event for many
North Carolinians that we felt an additional day
is warranted to allow people as much time as
possible to enjoy the Fair,” said Wesley Wyatt,
State Fair manager. Preview Day will also feature
discounted gate admission and a wrist band for
unlimited rides, which will cost $25 and will
only be available on this date. Gates will open
on Preview Day at 3 p.m. and the exhibit halls
and Midway will open at 4 p.m.
The Fair is busy getting dust out of the air
as well, as finishing touches are being placed
on several construction projects. The parking
lot between Dorton Arena and the Sam Rand
Grandstand was refinished with new amenities
for concessionaires and people. A seating area will
provide a space for fairgoers to sit and relax while
eating their favorite fair foods, and new electrical
boxes and water line hookups will help make the
area safer for vendors and visitors alike. There were
other grounds improvements completed over the
summer, such as water and sewage line upgrades
and painting and landscaping projects.
The grounds entertainment lineup has been
finalized, with some favorites returning to the
lineup and some new faces that are sure to become
crowd favorites. The Circle C Racing Pigs will
be back on the Hogway Speedway near Gate 9,
and Smithfield the Painting Pig will wow the
crowds in front of the Exposition Center. The
King Action Sports Stunt Show will be in the
grandstand, marking the 10th year since Keith
King and friends first made an appearance at
the State Fair. This year, a motor cross jumper
will join the BMX stunt show. The tractor pull
and demolition derby will also take place in
the grandstand.
It’s been several years, but he’s been missed,
so Rock-it the Robot is making a comeback at the
Fair. This 9-foot-tall robot may look imposing,
but he steals hearts wherever he goes on the fairgrounds.
At that height, he won’t have to look
up to see Carrie McQueen, the stilt walker, when
they pass each other on the grounds.
The Wells Family Band will perform on the
Waterfall Stage, along with several beach music
groups. The Kenny and Amanda Smith Band will
be on the Bluegrass Stage in Heritage Circle.