Flowers are in bloom at the N.C. State Fairgrounds.
Don’t be alarmed if you see a bunch of robots moving around Dorton Arena this weekend. The robots aren’t dangerous; they are part of the 2012 NC FIRST Robotics Regional. NC FIRST encourages students to pursue degrees in science and technology through hands-on experiences, such as building robots. During the tournament, high school teams from across the country will control their robots through a series of challenges. The top teams from Friday and Saturday will advance to the finals Saturday afternoon. Admission is free. Opening ceremonies take place at 8:30 a.m. on Friday and 8:45 a.m. on Saturday.
Another type of competition will take place this weekend at the Hunt Horse Complex. The 37th annual Joint NCAHA-ODAHA Dual Region Show will feature Arabian horse competitions in performance, halter, sport horse, dressage, hunter jumper and carriage driving. Admission is free, and contests begin Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m.
Saturday, the Graham Building will host the 40th annual Raleigh Hamfest. The festival is open to all amateur radio fans. Visitors can sit for their amateur radio license examination, browse through new and used radio equipment and participate in special construction projects. Admission is $8, and doors are open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Also on Saturday, the Scott Building will host the Sportscard and Sports Memorabilia Show. This event will feature nearly 75 vendors selling cards, collectibles and other merchandise from all of your favorite teams. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children under 16. Doors are open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, Calvary Chapel Cary will hold its annual Easter service in Dorton Arena. The service will begin at 10 a.m.; doors open at 9:30. The event is free and open to the public.
Remember to stop by the Raleigh Flea Market to find last-minute gifts for your Easter baskets. The market has everything from children’s toys and reading books to kids’ clothing and cartoon classics. Market vendors will be open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
If you can’t make it to the fairgrounds this weekend, mark your calendar for these great upcoming events:
April 13-15: Southern Ideal Home Show
April 22: Southern Bridal Show & Expo
April 27-29: Southern Women’s Show
May 5: N.C. Persian Festival
May 18-20: Got to Be NC Festival
And, in case you missed it, we need your help naming a duck that has made its home at the fairgrounds. We’ll be taking submissions through Monday. Go to our previous blog post for more information and to enter. The winner will receive a Got to Be NC Festival prize pack.
