2014 N.C. State Fair

New-entertainment spotlight: Amanda Durnell of Down to Earth Aerials

Funhouse October 18 October 19

Amanda Durnell of Raleigh is someone to look up to. Way up. She is part of Down to Earth Aerials performing daily in front of Dorton Arena. Down to Earth Aerials is one of 20 free acts offered at the fair. Durnell started learning aerial fabric and static trapeze at 32 years old at the New England Center for Circus Arts in Vermont. “I was about 40 pounds overweight and depressed,” Durnell said. “Learning this was a great outlet, mentally and physically. The brain tries to take the easy way, not the right way” She has been performing at street…

The original Smokey Bear returns to the Fair

Funhouse October 18 October 18

Smokey Bear has had a big year. In August the iconic spokesperson of fire prevention celebrated his 70th birthday and, at this year’s fair, we are celebrating the return of the original 25-foot, fiberglass talking Smokey. Built in 1982, this Smokey Bear greeted a whole generation of fairgoers to the N.C. Forest Service exhibit before he had to be replaced with a blow-up version in 2010. But the blow up version just didn’t have as much personality as the original Smokey Bear and employees from district three were bound and determined to bring the original Smokey Bear back. “He was…

Deep Fried Review: Ragin’ Cajun’s Deep Fried Bananas Foster

Funhouse October 15 October 18

Check out our review of Ragin’ Cajuns Deep Fried Bananas Foster. Spoiler alert – we both give it two thumbs up! KBujyZQ0GAA[/NewProfiles]

Deep Fried Review: Twinx and Bacon Wrapped Reeses

Firecracker October 14 October 14

On Monday, we hosted more than 50 members of the media at our annual Media Preview Luncheon. We gave them a sneak peek at several new things, including the Down to Earth Aerials, which will perform on the north lawn of Dorton Arena. This is definitely going to attract a crowd! We also had the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources there to talk about its new exhibit in the North Lobby of Dorton Arena, North Carolina in the Great War. The N.C. Horse Council also highlighted the activities they have scheduled for the Year of the Horse at the Hunt…

How does a family of 4 save at least $22?

Firecracker October 14 October 14

Most fair enthusiasts know that the best way to see the fair (other than working there) is to get your tickets in advance. It saves you a good bit of cash and you can avoid standing in line to get your admission tickets. But you only have a few days left to buy them. Adult tickets are $7 in advance, $9 at the gate. Children’s tickets are $3 in advance, $4 at the gate. Ride sheets (18 tickets per sheet) are $10 in advance, $1 each at the fair. Discount tickets are available on the website and at nine retail…

Behind the scenes: State Fair Garden competition is an educational opportunity

Funhouse October 13 October 13

Today was a busy day at the N.C. State Fair flower show as competitors put the finishing touches on their garden entries. Twenty-six entries were made in this year’s competition. Most of these entries are from individual gardeners or gardening clubs looking for blue ribbons and bragging rights. South Johnston High School in Four Oaks uses the competition as an educational opportunity and, if they win, a fundraiser. “We have about 11 students from our horticulture class and FFA that come and set up the garden,” said agriculture teacher Cindy Adams. “Today we brought a bus to the fair to…

5 days to go and I’m looking forward to …

Funhouse October 11 October 11

Giant pumpkins. One of my favorite traditions at the fair is posing my kids in front of the giant pumpkins in the Exposition Center. For me it is always a must-do. I try to get it in early in their fair visit – before they’re worn out from all the fun and while I can still bribe them with going to the rides as soon as we get the photo. Judging by the lines that will sometimes form in front of these giant beauties, I’m not alone. By the end of the fair, I bet these pumpkins are the most…

6 days to go and I’m looking forward to …

Firecracker October 10 October 11

Well, the State Fair Press Office is set up, and looking out my window I can see a steady stream of vehicles pulling in to the fairgrounds. Some are hauling concessions, others bits of displays and exhibits. Our graphics folks are steadily unloading signage, and today was the first day of dropping off items to be judged in competition. A good crop of rides have already been dropped off, too. So the excitement is definitely in the air. And even though this is my 19th(!?) fair, I’m still excited and looking forward to many parts of it. To me,…

Employee Profile: Switchboard operator Sandra Baker answers the call

Funhouse October 10 October 10

If you have called the main line to the State Fair at anytime over the last 18 years, there’s a good chance that you’ve talked to Mrs. Sandra. This time of year she estimates the main switchboard at the fair fields about 600 calls every day. Baker’s office is just inside the front doors of the administration building. Her office is filled with pictures of her family and collectible glass angels. Before working for the fair, Baker spent 25 years as a long distance phone operator. “This was back when we had the long lines that we used to connect…

Comedian James Gregory brings the laughs to Dorton Arena Tuesday, Oct. 23

Fried Oreo October 9 October 9

The Funniest Man in America will be bringing his Southern, down-home, storytelling style of comedy to Dorton Arena on Tuesday, Oct. 23. James Gregory has been performing stand-up comedy to sold-out crowds in theaters and comedy clubs for over 20 years. Before pursuing comedy, Gregory worked for the U.S. Postal Service, the Department of Defense, and as a salesman selling vacuum cleaners, encyclopedias… you name it. The Georgia native’s clean style of humor is based on his observations and real-life incidents, turning common and ordinary events into hilarious stories. On his website, Gregory says, “My comedy is based on my…

Category: 2014 N.C. State Fair