NC State Fair offers something for everyone

Fair runs in Raleigh Oct. 16-26

RALEIGH - (AUG. 21, 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 it," 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 is being 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 motorcross jumper will join the BMX stunt show. The tractor pull and demolition derby will also take place in the grandstand.

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.

The nightly entertainment in Dorton Arena will keep things rocking, rolling and cooking. Highlights from the lineup include celebrity chef Bobby Flay, country music stars Montgomery Gentry and Jason Aldean, and Christian music star Toby Mac.

The State Fair will be going green this year with its exhibit Green NC. This exhibit will introduce fairgoers to easy and economical ways to help save the environment, as well as introduce future technologies. The fairgrounds will be also expand its recycling program to include bottles and cans.

Green NC is sponsored by Duke Energy and the North Carolina State Energy Office.

There will be a special day for military families to attend the fair for free. On Wednesday, Oct. 22. Military families and up to four guests will be admitted free of charge.

Commercial exhibit space is closed for the 2008 season. In addition, please note that there is a very low turnover for commercial space at the North Carolina State Fair. We do, however, look for unique products and services to add to the quality vendors already at the fair. This years deadline for applications was July 1.

Interested in being an entertainer at the Fair? The entertainment for the 2008 State Fair has been finalized. To be considered for 2009, please send promotional materials in December to: Mike Pleasant, Assistant Manager, N.C. State Fair, 1010 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699 1010

For more information about the North Carolina State Fair go to www.ncstatefair.org. Or contact 1025 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC (919) 828 9478