State Fair will feature an extra day of fun in 2008

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced recently that the N.C. State Fair will open its gates a day early for a preview on Thursday, Oct. 16. Opening early will give fairgoers an extra day to “Take Time for a Great Time,” the 2008 State Fair theme.

Gates will open at 3 p.m., and the Midway and exhibit halls will open at 4. The Midway will close at midnight. Admission on Thursday will be $5 for adults and $1 for children ages 6-12. Children under 6 and adults 65 and over will get in free. Gate admission for the other State Fair dates will be $7 for adults and $2 for children ages 6-12.

It is the first time in 22 years officials have added days to the State Fair.

“Last year, the State Fair set records for daily and total attendance, with more than 858,000 people coming out to have fun,” Troxler said. “Adding a day gives visitors even more time to have a great time learning about agriculture and experiencing the exhibits, rides, games and food.”

Fairgoers attending the preview will have the option of purchasing wristbands offering unlimited Midway rides that day only. Wristbands will cost $25 each.

State Fair organizers anticipate that the N.C. Department of Labor will have inspected and certified about 85 percent of the rides for operation in time for the Oct. 16 opening. Concession stands, exhibit halls and grounds entertainment also will be ready for the early start.

An extra day also means an extra show in Dorton Arena. Country singer Josh Turner will kick off the State Fair entertainment Thursday night, performing hits such as “Firecracker” and “Long Black Train.” The full Dorton Arena lineup, along with details about the new rides that Powers Great American Midways plans to offer, will be announced this summer.

The State Fair will run Oct. 16-26 at the State Fairgrounds. Information will be available at www.ncstatefair.org.