Advance State Fair, concert tickets on sale

The 2011 N.C. State Fair is just over a month away and fairgoers are reminded to plan ahead to save time and money. Concert tickets and discounted admission and ride tickets are on sale at www.ncstatefair.org.

"Longtime fairgoers know advance gate and ride tickets can save them a significant amount of money," said State Fair Manager Wesley Wyatt. "Plus, early shoppers can earn free tickets for purchases made before retail locations open through the Early Bird Special."

Advance admission tickets are $6 for adults and $2 for children. These prices save $2 per adult admission ticket and $1 per child's ticket. Adult admission tickets for groups of 40 or more will cost $5.

An 18-ticket ride sheet will cost $10 in advance, saving fairgoers $8 off the price of ride tickets at the gate. Children under age 6 and adults 65 and over get in free.

With the Early Bird Special, ticket buyers can earn up to three free adult admission tickets based on the total purchase amount in a single order before convenience fees. Spending between $40 and $100 earns one free ticket. Purchases of $100.01 to $200 will earn fairgoers two free tickets, and purchases of more than $200 earn three free tickets.

Admission, ride, grandstand and Dorton Arena concert tickets apply toward the purchase total. The Early Bird Special lasts until Sept. 28, and is good for online sales only.

Tickets will go on sale at retail locations Sept. 29. Go to www.ncstatefair.org for more information.

The 2011 N.C. State Fair will be held Oct. 13-23 at the State Fairgrounds.