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…

Continue Reading

Dinosaurs, unicorns and pirates oh my! New, free acts invade the Fair

One of the things that makes the N.C. State Fair so special for many fairgoers is the blending of the traditional with the promise of something new. Each year, it’s a pretty good bet that you will find many of your fair favorites along with some new must-try foods or must-visit entertainment. And this year, fairgoers will find plenty of new grounds acts to entertain them, including dinosaurs, unicorns and pirates. Here’s a quick guide to the new acts at the 2016 N.C. State Fair: Roving Acts Dream City Unicorns – Flower & Garden Show area: Fantasy becomes reality as…

Continue Reading

Weekend Update: August 10-12

First comes love. Then comes marriage. Then comes a baby in a baby carriage. No matter what stage of life you are in, there’s something for you this weekend at the N.C. State Fairgrounds. Whether it’s puppy love or the real deal, there’s nothing quite like spending time strolling through the Raleigh Flea Market with your special someone. You can spend a few minutes or a few hours browsing the vendor booths. The market is open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you’re preparing for a stroll down the aisle in the near future, then you…

Continue Reading

Barnyard Animals: A Preview of the Fair

“Were you raised in a barn, child?” If I heard it once, I heard it a hundred times growing up from my grandmother. She was getting on to me for racing out of the house to play without closing the door, but today at the State Farmer’s Market in Raleigh I think she would have meant it as a compliment. More than a dozen children competed in a “Farm Animal Sounds” contest at the Market Festival, as well as in Corn Shucking and Corn Eating contests. There was quite a turnout of people there to cheer on the brave (and…

Continue Reading