Brian Sobaski brings straw to life in front of your eyes

Brian Sobaski is bringing some unique art to the N.C. State Fair in 2022 – something you’ve probably never seen. He’s creating straw sculptures of animals, and you can watch him at work three times a day during the fair. You’ll find him beside the breezeway outside the Agri Supply Expo Center. This is the first time Sobaski has ever created his works of art while an audience is watching. He usually creates straw sculptures before an event and leaves them to be viewed after he’s gone. While he’s a bit shy naturally, he’ll happily answer questions as he works…

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Weekend Update: Dec. 9-11

The Bulls, Bells and Barrels Bull Riding Event presented by Carousel Farms is Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the Hunt Horse Complex. General admission is $12, VIP admission is $17 and children ages 5 and under are admitted free. This event offers bull riding and barrel racing. Doors open at 6 p.m. for shopping. Other events to check out: The Adidas Warehouse Clearance Sale starts today in the Exposition Center. Sale will offer huge savings on Adidas apparel, footwear and accessories. Special VIP sale hours are Wednesday, 5 to 8 p.m. Regular sale hours are Thursday and Friday,…

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Weekend Update: Nov. 25-27

The Christmas Carousel Holiday Gift Market is Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Graham Building. Admission covers all three days and is $8 for adults, $7 for senior and members of the military with ID and $4 for children ages 6 to 12. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free. This event features over 250 exhibitors offering crafts, jewelry, art, pottery and food. Other events this weekend include: The Raleigh Antiques Extravaganza is Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday…

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Weekend Update: Sept. 23-25

It’s a big weekend at the fairgrounds. The Southern Ideal Home Show takes over the Graham Building and the Exposition Center for three days with lots of great home improvement ideas. And this is the last weekend for the Flea Market. All the flea market vendors will have to move out to make room for the State Fair, so there will be plenty of deals to be had. And many wrestling legends make a return to Dorton Arena on Friday night.   The Southern Ideal Home Show is Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m….

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Weekend Update: July 22-24

  Parents seeking to outfit their ever-growing children are in luck because the popular Kids Exchange Consignment Sale is this weekend in the Graham Building and the Exposition Center. Sale hours are Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, and most of the clothes, toys and other items are a third of their original price. Register to sell items at www.kidsexchange.net. All items are marked half-price on Sunday. Other events include: The Artisan and Craftsman Benefit Expo is Saturday from 10 a.m….

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Weekend Update: July 1-3

  Slithering, scaly pets will fill the Scott Building for the Repticon Reptile and Exotic Animal Show Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Scott Building. Admission is $10 for ages 13 and older, $5 for children 5 to 12, and free for children 4 and under. Two-day passes are $15. Snakes, iguanas, lizards and all the items needed to care for them will be on sale. Live animal presentations and seminars will be offered hourly. Other events this weekend include: The Capital City Gun Show is Saturday from 9…

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Weekend Update: June 24-26

Discover the Dinosaurs in the Expo Center

Visitors to the State Fairgrounds can travel back to prehistoric times via the Discover the Dinosaurs exhibit on Friday from noon to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Graham Building. This event will feature a life-like interactive dinosaur exhibit as well as a Dino Dig, face painting and Dino Mini-Golf. To purchase tickets, visit www.discoverthedinosaurs.com. Other events this weekend include: The Raleigh Money Expo is Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Exposition Center. Admission…

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Weekend Update: June 17-19

The State Fairgrounds will be filled with classic cars, toys and miscellaneous treasures this weekend. Upcoming events include: The Raleigh Classic Car Auction is Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Graham Building and the Exposition Center. Adult admission is $10 per day or $15 for a two-day pass; admission for children 12 and under is $5 per day or $7 for a two-day pass. Over 250 vintage vehicles from four private collections will be for sale. The North State Toy and Hobby Show is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10…

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Tips for first-time fairgoers

We hope everyone has been to the State Fair at least once, but with so many newcomers to the state we figure there are some people who may have never been. Coming to the fair for the first time can be a little overwhelming, and as our fair veterans know, there is a way to do it right. We asked our Facebook fans to help newcomers out by suggesting their favorite parts of the fair. Top 10 Fair Musts, as offered by State Fair fans: “Get some Al’s fries! They are the best!” “Buy your ride tickets NOW while they…

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Weekend Update: May 31-June 2

  The Capital Dressage Classic takes place at the Hunt Horse Complex through Sunday, beginning at 8 a.m. each day. This event is free for spectators. Youth from across the state will converge on the Graham Building on Saturday and Sunday for the N.C. Junior Beef Roundup. This livestock show includes steer and breed shows, showmanship competition, skill development, leadership development and family activities involving cattle. The event is sponsored by the Purebred Breeders Council, the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association and the N.C. State University 4-H and Youth Livestock Department. Competition begins Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 a.m. The Old North…

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