There are some changes to the fairgrounds in an area that generally featured one of the tightest pedestrian walkways at the fair. Fairgoers coming in from Gate 8 and walking up past the Village of Yesteryear would typically face a congested area where the rabbit barn, MarketPlace and N.C. State Howling Cow ice cream booth are located.
This spring the rabbit barn building was torn down to open the space up in this area.
“The number of exhibitors in our rabbit show has declined over the years,” said Kent Yelverton, fair manager. “The facility that was used to house the rabbit show was in poor condition as well. We felt it was a good time to remove this building and pursue other possibilities.”
The area will feature a grassy area with picnic tables. The green space will be an added benefit to food vendors in that area. “All the food vendors that fairgoers typically find in that area will still be there,” Yelverton added. “It’s just our hope the traffic flow will be much improved this year. We are going to look after this year’s fair to consider other improvements in this area.”
Although the rabbit competition may be gone for the year, rabbits will be on display in the FFA Children’s Barnyard. The FFA Children’s Barnyard is near the Village of Yesteryear and Flower and Garden Show.
