Fried Oreos. Ferris wheels. Screaming kids. The Great Pumpkin. Who doesn't love the State Fair? One of North Carolina's oldest traditions dating back to 1853, the North Carolina State Fair has been one of the South's greatest culminations of music, art, food and people ever. Here are 11 things you need to know about this year's NC State Fair.
1. CAN DAY
Admission doesn't seem so expensive at first, but when you pay $10 to get inside, $20 for a sheet of ride tickets, and a ton of cash on that great fair food, you'll want to save when you can. So on Thursday, Oct. 22, bring five Food Lion brand canned goods, and score a free admission while helping local pantries!!
2. BRING YOUR OWN...
At the fair, we all love to grab the roasted corn and chocolate bananas, but again, the cash spent on food really stacks up quick! You're permitted to bring in outside food and drink, given that your beverage is non-alcoholic. Check out the fair's FAQ for more information!
3. PURCHASE ONLINE
When you buy your tickets online, you're not only saving a few dollars, but also saving yourself tons of time at the gate!! Online tickets are print-at-home, so it makes it super easy for you to print your vouchers and grab your admissions tickets without the hassle of waiting!
4. MILITARY
If you're heading to the fair this year, and you are a veteran or an active service member, be sure to bring your ID! Military service members receive 44 percent off admission for themselves and their families/guests. There are additional discounts for the military once inside the fairgrounds, too!
5. WEEKDAY LUNCH PASS
Enter at Gate 1 or Gate 9 during the week, leave $10 with the attendant, and grab your lunch from your favorite vendor on the midway! Better yet, leave before 1:30 from the same gate you entered, and you'll get your money back!
6. WEATHER
The weather for this year's State Fair is the epitome of perfection -- absolutely wonderful fall weather!! Check the forecast each day for updates here!
7. COWS, PIGS AND GOATS, OH MY!
Livestock shows are a staple of the fair, what would a trip be without them? You can go visit the animals at the Expo Center (next to the waterfall of Dorton Arena) every day! Take a look, watch a show or buy a piglet!
8. FREE
Who doesn't love the word free? I know I do. Go see Music at the Waterfall with Erin Nenni or the Fire Safety Show. Check out the full schedule here!
9. CARNIVAL GAMES
I never win, but hey, you can go try to win that goldfish! Scattered all over the midway, employees stand trying to coax you to get your partner to win you that giant teddy bear. Be sure to check out the ringtoss by the ferris wheel at Gate One!!
10. RIDES. RIDES. RIDES.
Rides are easily the best part of the State Fair. You can love fried oreos and cute sheep till the end of time, but nothing compares to the way it feels to sit above all of the fairgrounds from the top of a ferris wheel. This year, the State Fair has added five new rides to its repertoire; the Music Express, Super Cyclone, Mighty Mouse Spinning Coaster, Balloon Fiesta Wheel, and Pirate's Island Interactive. Be sure to check out everything you can on the midway -- it'll be the time of your life!
11. FOOD
Speaking of Gate 1, if you travel just a little further down the road to Gate 11, you'll find many of the State Fair's most beloved vendors, including (but not limited to) Favor Desserts, Beaver's, Granny's Country Kitchen, Neomonde, and the Apex Lion Club's Cornfritters.
In short, you should be sure to stop by this years NC State Fair at least once. It'll be the time of your life, because after all, nothing's finer!
