What do helicopters, Bambi and fire plows have in common? They’re all part of the revamped forestry exhibit at the N.C. State Fair. Visitors entering through Gate 8 will probably notice the bright yellow helicopter in the middle of the lake. The location, formally the site of the fireworks launchpad, is now the landing pad for a variety of forestry vehicles and equipment. Kids can see what it’s like inside the cockpit of a decommissioned helicopter, see a Bambi Bucket that can pick up nearly 240 gallons of water and get an up-close look at a giant, bulldozer-looking vehicle called a fire plow.
While you’re there, pick up a free tree seedling to take home and plant, visit with Smokey Bear, tour the Soil and Water Conservation exhibit and see an old-fashioned sawmill run by a steam engine. Cross the bridge at the bottom of Heritage Circle and enjoy all the exhibits.
