Free grounds entertainment abounds (Part 1)


HoopDrum returns to the 2010 N.C. State Fair

It’s an interesting balancing act that State Fair Assistant Manager Mike Pleasant plays each year when booking grounds entertainment. While he strives to bring new and interesting acts to the Fair, whenever something disappears, he hears from scores of disappointed people who were hoping to see just the act that he didn’t renew.  So to keep things fresh, he rotates acts around, bringing in new acts every few years and giving some acts a year or two breathing room before bringing them back. This year’s grounds entertainment is mostly entertainers that fairgoers will be familiar with, including a few that are back for the first time in a few years.

Mike even added an additional spot to the schedule to accommodate two more grounds acts. Really, there’s so much to tell you about, that it’s going to take two posts to fit it all in, so check out today’s installment and stay tuned for more information next week. And be sure to check last week’s post on the roaming acts you can expect to see this year.

Kiddieland

  • Magic 4 U: Brad Matchett returns after a year away with his wacky and entertaining magic show for the young (and the young at heart). Brad uses a lot of audience interaction, balloon tricks and magic to entertain guests. Shows daily at 1, 3 and 5 p.m. He performs at 5 p.m. only on Thursday, Oct. 14.
  • Michelle’s Magical Poodles: This show features Michelle doing an array of circus-style tricks with her four miniature poodle assistants. Shows daily at 1, 2 and 4 p.m
  • Hubba Bubba the Clown: Cary-resident Kevie Peavy will engage kids of all ages with his comedy and magic act. He has stage shows daily at noon and 6 p.m. He’ll also be roaming around Kiddieland throughout the day.

North Dorton Lawn

  • Steve Trash, Rockin’ Eco-Hero: This eco-magician will entertain and educate using unbelievable illusions to demonstrate ecological ideas. Kids won’t even realize they’ve learned something when they walk away. Shows daily at 2, 4 and 6 p.m., 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 14, and an additional show at noon on Saturdays.
  • Dale Jones, Juggler: Dale Jones has only one good hand, but that didn’t stop him from becoming a world-class juggler and an inspiring performer. His comedy/juggling routine will have the audience amazed at his abilities and attitude. Show times at 1, 3 and 5 p.m., daily, with an additional show at 11 a.m. on Saturdays.

Expo Center

  • Steve Brogan, Ventriloquist: Shows daily at 1, 3 and 5 p.m., with additional shows at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and shows at 3:30 and 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 14.
  • HoopDrum: Julia and Scott return to the Fair with their unique hoop dancing and drum combo. Fairgoers can participate in this interactive show that features Julia dancing with hoops, including the fire hoop while Scott provides the beat using a variety of percussion instruments. Shows daily at noon, 4 and 6 p.m., with an additional show at noon on Saturdays. They will perform at 6 p.m. only on Thursday, Oct. 14.

Coming next week: Hogway Speedway, Grandstand, Waterfall Stage and Bluegrass Stage acts.

So tell us, who are you excited to see this year?

Hubba Bubba the Clown, Michelle's Magical Poodles and Steve Trash will all be at the 2010 N.C. State Fair

About Firecracker

Firecracker (aka Jen Kendrick) Appears as a guest blogger with a special 22-year history with the State Fair. She now works with the N.C. Pork Council, but she still lends a hand in the press office when she can. Thanks, Firecracker!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *