Author: Super Shot

My name is Sarah Crump, however, in reference to all things “Deep Fried” I’ll be going by Super Shot —my all-time favorite N.C. State Fair ride. I’ve always been an adrenaline junkie and, for me, nothing could be more magical than enjoying the crisp autumn air and the sights, sounds and smells of the fair for the few seconds before the drop tower’s heart-stopping fall. I’ve attended the fair every year since before I can remember, so trust me when I say it’s a must-attend event. I am beyond excited to be the State Fair public relations intern this summer and I hope to get you all just as excited for all things fair-related through my posts.

The Charlie Daniels Band “rosins up” the bows to play for fairgoers

The Deep Fried Crew is excited to introduce another group that is part of the “Homegrown North Carolina Concert Series.” But, really, the Charlie’s Daniels Band is not likely to need much in the way of introductions. The band is led by Wilmington’s own Charlie Daniels, who is a member of the Grand Old Opry, is a Grammy winner and has been inducted into the N.C. Music Hall of Fame. And Daniel’s biggest hit, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” has been covered by nearly every musical genre, including Swedish techno/bluegrass band Rednex, the Muppets and Alvin and the Chipmunks….

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Rabbit Hopping Competition jumps into action at the State Fair

Move over horses and K-9s in Flight – there will be some slightly smaller and fluffier creatures also wowing crowds with their agility skills and jumping abilities at the 2015 N.C. State Fair. This year, the Rabbit Show will hold its first official rabbit hopping competition. The sport involves a course of jumps and other obstacles such as bridges. A rabbit is led through the course by its trainer while attached to a harness. Rabbit Show Superintendent Kristen Bruce has kept rabbits for many years, but first got involved with rabbit hopping three years ago after hearing about the sport…

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Employee Profile: New art and photography superintendent Dottie Cole seeks to broaden exhibition

When the sun rises over the fairgrounds Thursday, Oct. 15, Dottie Bryan Cole, the art and photography department superintendent, will be walking through the Kerr Scott Building, ensuring all the art exhibition displays are ready for the N.C. State Fair’s opening. “That’s my favorite part of the job,” Cole said. “Walking through in the morning before opening, seeing the final project, going through and taking it all in. All of the hard work is done.” As the art and photography superintendent, Cole is responsible for processing entries, setting competition rules and regulations, hiring and managing department employees, selecting judges, organizing…

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Orquesta GarDel brings Latin fire to Dorton Arena Sunday, Oct. 18

Dorton Arena will fill with the dynamic Latin sounds and performance of Orquesta GarDel Sunday, Oct. 18, giving Latin music fans exactly “lo que tú querías” or “what you want.” Lo Que Tú Querías is also the name of the group’s latest release. This modern salsa band with a bold multinational sound has its roots firmly in North Carolina. The group formed just down the road from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and consists of 13 members, including horn players, percussionists and coro singers. Coro singers perform the chorus, or most recognizable part, of the song. “One…

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Horse Show Activities

City dwellers unacquainted with North Carolina’s 300,000 horses, ponies, mules, donkeys and burros will get a chance to witness the growing industry at the 2015 N.C. State Fair Oct. 15-25. Last year the State Fair and the N.C. Horse Council partnered to celebrate the “Year of the Horse,” offering numerous equine events to complement the traditional horse shows. This year the fair and horse council present “Nothing Could Be Finer than a Horse in Carolina,” adding more educational and entertaining equine activities for fairgoers. The popular, free five-minute horseback riding lessons will make a return to the fair, showcasing what…

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100 years of ham biscuits

A couple biscuits can go a long way. At least that’s what the bus loads of tired volunteers keep in mind as they return from a busy day at the Cary First United Methodist Church’s booth at the N.C. State Fair. These volunteers are willing to put in the extra effort to produce homemade ham biscuits, all in an effort to raise funds for the church’s missions. This year, as the church’s busses roll out to the fairgrounds for the 2015 State Fair, the booth celebrates its 100th year serving North Carolinians. And despite the fair’s evolution over the course…

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Weekend Update: Aug. 28-30

 It’s turning out to be another diverse weekend at the N.C. State Fairgrounds. This weekend’s events kick off Friday with the North Carolina RV Dealers Association’s Fall RV Show and Sale, which runs through Sunday in the Graham Building and Exposition Center. This show and sale offers the largest selection of new and used RVs under one roof. Hours are Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $10 for adults and is free for children 12 and under. Go here for advance purchase discount prices and coupons. Special rates…

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Weekend Update: Aug. 21-23

  The weather forecast is calling for a beautiful weekend in Raleigh, so head on out to the fairgrounds for the flea market and catch the boat show and a holistic living expo: Carolina Fall Boat Show and Sale, Aug. 21-23 Boat inventory reduction sale showcasing 12 marine dealers and more than 200 boats on display. Hours are Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and military and free for children ages 12 and under. Discount coupons are available on…

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Weekend Update: Aug. 14-16

If you’re looking for a fun and inexpensive way to entertain the whole family this weekend, here’s some good news: The 11th Annual Children’s Good News Spectacular will be held in the Graham Building this Saturday. The Child Evangelism Fellowship of the Greater Raleigh Area and several area sponsors are hosting this free area-wide event for children and families. Children can enjoy inflatable games and rides, snacks and drinks, and illusion and puppet shows blended with gospel teachings. The event runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and admission is free. Other events at the fairgrounds this weekend include: Double L…

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Employee Profile: New assistant fair manager James Romer brings passion for fairs

New assistant fair manager James Romer has developed many passions, from collecting rocks to horticulture and gardening. However, when it comes to his love for fairs, Romer said it just got into his blood as a child and has been there ever since. “Some of the best days of my life have been spent at fairs,” Romer said. “In fact, I met my wife at a county fair in Iowa. Fairs are always going to be special to me.” Romer’s experience with fairs began with his parents who, in 1965, began raising and showing dahlias at local county fairs and…

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