How will you celebrate your Labor Day weekend? How about with a trip to the N.C. State Fairgrounds? From horse and dog shows to exotic animals and precious gems, we’ve got something for the entire family this weekend. Read on for more details.
Carolina Rollergirls will take to the track Saturday, Sept. 1.
Equestrian Exchange Consignment Sale
The Equestrian Exchange Tack Consignment Sale in the Holshouser Building offers the opportunity to buy and consign equestrian items, saddles and tack for all disciplines of riding. The event is open to the public Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Monday from noon to 6 p.m. Admission is free.
NCDCTA Sport Horse Breeding Show
On Friday, the N.C. Dressage and Combined Training Association will hold a dressage sport horse breeding competition at the Hunt Horse Complex. Horses will be shown in hand and under saddle. Saturday and Sunday, the organization will host the Labor of Love Horse Show, which is open to all levels of dressage competition. Shows run daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
Tarheel Labor Day Cluster
Dozens of dogs will compete in the Tarheel Labor Day Cluster. The event, which will be held in the Graham Building, includes dog obedience trials and other competitions leading up to the championship show. A different Kennel Club will host competitions each day. Friday’s events are hosted by the Alamance Kennel Club; Saturday by the Durham Kennel Club; Sunday by the Raleigh Kennel Club and Monday by the Cary Kennel Club. Shows run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission for Saturday, Sunday and Monday is $5 for adults. Admission is $2 for seniors and children ages 7-11. Admission is free with military ID and for children under 7.
Treasures of the Earth Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show
In the Scott Building, visitors will be able to purchase jewelry, gems and more at the Treasures of the Earth show. Jewelers will be on site to repair, design or set stones and wire wrappers. The show is open Friday from noon to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults and free for children under 16.
Carolina Roller Derby
The Carolina Rollergirls will bring back their brand of fierce competition with a double-header event Saturday in Dorton Arena. Games will be held at 3 and 5 p.m., doors open at 2:30. Admission is $14 for adults, $8 for students and seniors 65 and older and $7 for children. Kids under six are admitted for free, but only 2 per adult. Advance tickets and group discounts are available online at
www.carolinarollergirls.com
The Carolina Reptile & Exotic Animal Show
National breeders and manufacturers will be on hand in the Expo Center selling reptiles, birds and mammals along with cages, food and supplies. The event also features live animal shows and seminars on animal breeding and care. Doors are open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults and $6 for seniors and children ages 5-12. Admission is free for kids under 5.
Raleigh Flea Market
You only have four weekends left to visit the Raleigh Flea Market before the State Fair. Come out and enjoy the offerings from hundreds of vendors. The flea market is open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
And, don’t forget to mark your calendars for these other great events:
Sept. 7-8: The Original Coin & Currency Show, N.C. Dealers Association Fall RV Sale
Sept. 14-16: Greek Festival, Old North State Antique Gun & Military Collector Show, Mexican Independence Day Celebration
Sept. 21-23: Southern Ideal Home Show, Chinese Moon Festival Celebration
Sept. 24: Fairgrounds Closes for N.C. State Fair
Oct. 11-21: 2012 N.C. State Fair
Nov. 1: Fairgrounds Reopens
