There’s a diverse lineup of events at the fairgrounds this weekend.
The Chatlee Boat Show & Sale kicked off on Thursday in the Scott Building, featuring a large selection of saltwater, skiffs, ski & deck boards. The show is open noon to 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free.
The N.C. Diocese Ignited by Truth Conference is being held in the Graham Building Friday and Saturday. Dynamic Catholic speakers will offer two days of spiritual insight and inspiration for people of all faith traditions, with subjects ranging from sacred scripture to spiritual combat. The Friday evening workshop is for people considering the Catholic Church. The event begins with live music and will feature two speakers. Spanish sessions will also be offered. Saturday is a full day of presentations, including sessions for students and ending with a Vigil Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Diocese of Raleigh. Other offerings include Confession, Eucharistic Adoration, and a Vendor and Ministry Fair. Conference hours are Friday, 6 to 10 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free on Friday evening. Saturday’s program is $45 for adults or $25 for students ages 10 and up, and includes lunch.
Dorton Arena hosts the Pan Afrikan Comedy Show on Friday at 7:30 p.m. featuring Corwin C Dawg Ogsley, Rob Stapleton and Corey Holcomb. Admission is $5 for students, $10 for NCSU faculty and staff and $15 for general admission. On Saturday, the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the NCSU BSB present the Pan Afrikan Step Show at 7 p.m. The show will feature competitive performances from various Greek organizations within NPHC and showcase other student groups such as a capella groups between step groups. Admission is $20 at the door.
The Flower Show area (inside Gate 6) will be the place to find a wide variety of plants Friday through Sunday. The Gardeners of Wake County Azalea Sale features 148 varieties and 4,000 plants – your only opportunity to choose from this many varieties. Also available are camellias, roses, flowering plants and other plants for sale. Gardeners of Wake County profits fund scholarships for the NCSU Department of Horticulture Science and other projects. The Raleigh Garden Club will offer a wide variety of herbs and perennials for sun and shade that thrive in the Triangle. Camellias and rhododendrons are being offered by the Wake County 4H Club, and the Pilot Club of Wake County will be selling geraniums to raise money for their charitable work. Hours are Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.
The Raleigh Invitational Horse Show is at the Hunt Horse Complex all weekend. This American Saddlebred and Morgan horse show features the Equine Roadster Cup and the Equine Pony Cup and is a qualifier for the World Championship Horse Show. Free spectator admission. Sessions start Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., and Sunday at 9 a.m.
The Pipe and Tobacciana Expo will be held in the Martin Building on Saturday. This expo includes distributors, collectors and pipe clubs. A selection of smoking pipes, pipe racks, humidors and accessories will be available, as well as custom-blended tobaccos from around the world, pipe makers and pipe trading. Event hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $3; free admission coupons can be found in The News & Observer or N.C. State Technician.
The Raleigh Flea Market is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, featuring hundreds of dealers, craftsmen and booths.
