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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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: Nov. 11-13

Get a head start on your holiday shopping at the Christmas Toy Exchange. This event is Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Scott Building. Admission is free. This event offers gently used toys, books and videos as well as holiday apparel and decorations. Other events include: The ‘Jump for the Children’ Hunter Jumper Show is Tuesday through Sunday in the Hunt Horse Complex. Admission is free. This USEF Heritage Competition benefits the Duke Children’s Hospital. This event features the $50,000 Duke Children’s Grand Prix, $10,000 Duke Welcome Jumper Stake and $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. The Carolina Collector Auto…

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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: Sept. 9-11

Opa! The 35th Annual Greek Festival is Friday from 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday  from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Graham Building. Adult admission is $3, but you can find a coupon for free on their website. Admission for children ages 13 to 19 and seniors is $2, while children ages 12 and under are admitted free. This event offers authentic Greek food, live music and traditional Greek dance groups. Part of event proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity. Go to http://raleighgreekfestival.com/ for more. Other events this weekend include: Meredith College…

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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 8-10

  The State Fairgrounds will be home to everything from gemstones and scrapbooking supplies to horses and survival gear this weekend. Check out the variety of upcoming events: The State 4-H Horse Show is Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free for this event located in the Hunt Horse Complex. 4-H members from ages 5 to 18 will compete in speed, dressage and Western. The Gem & Jewelry Show will be held Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in…

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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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Weekend Update: June 3-5

The fairgrounds will host a variety of events this weekend. Come find a new furry friend, examine antique bottles, or watch a youth cattle show at the following events: The Capital Dressage Classic is Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free for this nationally recognized equestrian competition, which will feature a vendor fair. Event is located in the Hunt Horse Complex. The N.C. Junior Beef Roundup is Saturday and Sunday with competitions beginning at 7:30 a.m. North Carolina’s youth will show off both their skills and their…

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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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