Cleanup with Casey

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…

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Casey’s Clubhouse, Fire Safety Show and other ways to enjoy the Fair with young children

Coming to the Fair with young ones in tow? A little advanced planning can help you make the most of your day.  Here are some tips and not-to-be-missed activities for the elementary-aged and younger at the fair. Buy your tickets before the fair starts. Tickets can be purchased at Food Lion, online, the N.C. Museum of History, State Farmers Market and at Gate 9 at the Fairgrounds. It’s no fun to stand in line and purchasing in advance means designated fast-track admission at the entrance gate. Kids under six years old get into the fair free. However, with an Kiddieland…

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2016 N.C. State Fair Bucket List

‘Tis N.C. State Fair season and nothing could be finer. And whether you’re a State Fair veteran or a rookie, you know there is something magical about the state fair that is calling your name. Between the cool autumn nights kept well-lit by the carnival midway, the deep-fried delicacies, and the engaging exhibits and entertainment, what’s not to like? To make sure you’re taking full advantage of your time at the fair, we’ve listed some things that you must do at this year’s event, Oct. 13-23. See a concert on every stage. As a part of this year’s Homegrown Music…

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Casey’s Clubhouse, big slide plus six other fun things for young children

Fair mascot Casey the Cardinal is back and he’s got lots of tips for fairgoers. Read below to find out how to make the most out of the N.C. State Fair if you are a parent with young children in tow. Stroller-drivers, we see you. We know that families love to come to the fair together. And that many of these families have children in the preschool and elementary-age range. If you fit this description then this advice is for you. Here are seven tips for enjoying the fair with young children. Last year I missed out on meeting a…

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Like to Ride? Check out Casey’s tips to save on Fair rides

Fair mascot Casey the Cardinal is back and he’s got lots of tips for fairgoers. Read below to find out how to make the most out of the N.C. State Fair if you come to get your fix of whirling, twirling and spinning on more than 100 rides. Tip 1: Come on a wristband day Fairgoers have asked, and now the fair has delivered. This year’s fair will feature FOUR wristband days. Wristbands offer riders unlimited rides on the following days: Thursday, Oct. 13 Friday, Oct. 14 Monday, Oct. 17 Tuesday, Oct. 18 Wristbands are $28 each on Thursday, Oct….

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Casey’s Highlights from the 2015 N.C. State Fair

The 2015 State Fair ended just over a week ago with attendance topping the 1 million mark. This week Casey Cardinal is offering a trip down memory lane to look back at his top five highlights from the fair. Friday Frenzy and record attendance days: The fair started with two record attendance days. Preview Day on Thursday brought in a record 50,327 people. Friday’s new promotion, Friday Frenzy, brought in 90,954 people, many who took advantage of the $5 admission for students and an unlimited ride wristband promotion. It was a great kickoff to 11 days of strong attendance. Opening…

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Casey’s Don’t Miss List for the last weekend of the fair

There’s a new bird in town – fair mascot Casey Cardinal. And he’s got lots of tips for fairgoers. This week we are looking at a few of Casey’s suggestions for what not to miss the last weekend of the fair. Get a selfie with the FloraSapiens These tall, lithe, plant-like creatures  with a big personality are roaming around Heritage Circle. They just love to pose for pictures and move to the sounds of bluegrass coming from the Heritage Circle Stage.  The FloraSapiens are joined by Mother Earth, who enjoys hanging out around the Flower Show area. Have a ham biscuit…

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