Wondering what’s been going on at the fairgrounds? Look no further, Casey Cardinal and his friend, Assistant Fair Manager James Romer, gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the renovations taking place at the fairgrounds.
Due to COVID-19, nearly 200 scheduled events at the fairgrounds have been canceled so far this year. With extra time on his hands, Romer has been busy with N.C. State Fairgrounds staff improving the grounds in preparation for the 2020 N.C. State Fair.
The fairgrounds crew have checked many things off their to-do list so far, like spreading mulch, painting, repairing livestock pens, and pruning and maintaining the lawns. Romer’s personal favorite is the Graham Building project. Crews have been cleaning the ceiling of the Graham Building, removing pounds of useless wires, vacuuming and scaping the beams, along with preparing to paint the ceiling as well.
Other projects have included building 230 eight-foot tables and 20 20-inch-wide tables for use. The crews have also worked on the facade of the southeast side of the Antique Farm Equipment Building and fabricated new wrought-iron style gates for Gate 9.
At nearly 300-acres, the fairgrounds always has multiple projects to keep the grounds ready for all the events it hosts. This year, the staff is even more ready to welcome back the people to events held at the fairgrounds.
But as events begin to resume, James and his team have not lost sight of the ultimate event of the year, the N.C. State Fair.
“We are laser-focused on making the grounds as attractive and safe as possible as we continue to be focused on the upcoming fair and doing everything that we can to make sure that we’re ready to go come October 15.”
Make sure to pay close attention to all the great renovations that have been made next time you visit the fairgrounds!
