FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

Board of Agriculture gives initial nod to raising price of State Fair admission

RALEIGH — The N.C. Board of Agriculture today tentatively approved a proposal to increase admission prices at the N.C. State Fair.

In a conference call, the board voted 7-0 to allow State Fair management to begin work on a $1 price increase for the 2013 fair.

Under the proposal, adult admission would be $7 in advance of the fair and $9 at the gate. Gate admission for children ages 6-12 would be $4, with a $1 discount for buying tickets in advance of the fair. Admission would still be free for children under 6 and adults 65 and over.

In a memo to the board, State Fair Manager Wesley Wyatt said the increase would allow the fair to keep pace with a variety of rising operating expenses and still dedicate money for improvements to the fairgrounds. The State Fair does not receive tax dollars to cover its expenses.

The new ticket prices are subject to final approval by the board later this year. The last change in admission prices occurred in 2010.

In other action, the board approved a request by the N.C. Peanut Growers Association to hold a referendum among growers in April. Peanut growers will be asked to vote on whether to continue an assessment of $3 per ton of peanuts sold. The assessment supports the association’s efforts to promote and market North Carolina peanuts.

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