It's time to celebrate what's great at the N.C. State Fair Oct. 14-24
The N.C. State Fairgrounds will come alive Oct. 14-24 with the great exhibits, rides and attractions fairgoers have come to expect from the annual fall event.
On Thursday, Oct. 14, the Fair will open at 3 p.m. for Preview Day. Preview Day includes a discounted gate admission, and Powers Great American Midway will offer a $25 Preview Day Ride Wrist Band for unlimited rides from 3:30 p.m. to midnight.
A new exhibit, Seed Survivor, is an educational tent featuring interactive games and displays that teach children how sunlight, water and nutrients work together in plant growth. Visitors will be able to plant a sunflower seed and take it home. This exhibit will be located near the Green NC tent at Gate 12.
Adults will enjoy improving their green thumbs with an expanded list of gardening demonstrations in the Flower and Garden Show. More than 90 demonstrations will be held, with experts offering advice on such topics as pumpkin carving and flower arrangement. A variety of bamboo structures, built by landscape design students at N.C. State University, will also be on display in the Flower and Garden Show area.
At the grandstand, Keith King and his group of high-flying BMX and motocross bikers return in the King Action Sports Stunt Show Monday, Oct. 18, to Sunday, Oct. 24. In addition to their array of flatland and ramp tricks, the performers will partner with the Susan G. Komen Foundation for a special cancer-survivor show on Saturday, Oct. 23. The grandstand will also host the Tractor Pull on the first Fair weekend and the Demolition Derby on the last weekend.
For the first time in five years, entertainment returns to the grassy area in front of Dorton Arena. Fairgoers can see daily performances by Dale Jones, who returns to the Fair to entertain families with his inspirational, one-handed juggling act. Steve Trash, an eco-friendly magician, returns and will also perform daily.
On the stage in Kiddieland Fun Park, Michelle's Magical Poodles returns for another year of tricks and surprises. The show's human star, Michelle Harrell, also can be seen peforming as Statue Viva. Hubba Bubba the Clown and Magic 4 U offer their own variety of magic with performances daily in Kiddieland.
Roaming the grounds, fairgoers may spot Carrie McQueen juggling and entertaining from the top of her stilts. McQueen returns to the Fair after a few years away. Joining her high above the crowds, will be 9-foot-tall Rock-It the Robot, dancing and interacting with people passing by. Near Gate 9, squeals will be heard from the Hogway Speedway, where Fair-favorite Circle C Racing Pigs is back for more animal laps around the mini dirt track.
Near the Expo Building, comic ventriloquist Steve Brogan will voice a cast of characters and bring laughter to children of all ages in his first year at the Fair.
Also at this location, the rhythmic beats and spinning hoops of Carrboro natives HoopDrum return for a second year of spirited performances.
On the Waterfall Stage, Raleigh native Jeanne Jolly will perform a blend of country, folk and soul during the week, while Hicksboro Station mixes country, rock and blues during weekend performances.
The Bluegrass Stage in Heritage Circle will feature performances by bluegrass staples the Kenny and Amanda Smith Band. Kevin Carter and Full Assurance and Back Porch Bluegrass will have additional performances on the stage on respective weekends.
Discount tickets are available online through Oct. 14. Adult tickets are $6 in advance, $8 at the gate. Children's tickets are $2 in advance or $3 at the gate. Children 5 and under and seniors age 65 and older get in free.
ide sheets can also be purchased in advance for $10 for a sheet of 18 tickets.
For more, go to www.ncstatefair.org.
