With so much going on at the Fairgrounds this weekend, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
The weekend events kicked off Thursday morning with a Welcome Home Send-Off Ceremony for World War II veterans. Operation Omaha/USO of N.C. organized the ceremony for the return of 100 WWII veterans from their visit to the National D-Day Memorial for the 70th anniversary of the battle. Organizers anticipate the veterans returning around 7 p.m. Friday, and the public is invited to come join in this welcome home acknowledgement ceremony.

The Southeast Raleigh Junior Hereford Show will take place in the Graham Building this Friday and Saturday.
The Southeast Raleigh Junior Hereford Show will take place in the Graham Building this Friday and Saturday. The youth livestock show represents juniors from seven states who will show and compete in other Hereford cattle events. This event is sponsored by the N.C. Polled Hereford Association and Junior Association. Show times are Friday, noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Gem and Jewelry Show comes to Raleigh this weekend with dealers offering a variety of gems, jewelry, crystals, minerals and beads for sale. Rare minerals, giant shark’s teeth and fossils will also be on display. Hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Scott Building. Admission is free.
The N.C. Arabian Horse Association hosts its Open Summer Extravaganza this Saturday and Sunday in the Hunt Horse Complex. The NCAHA open breed horse show features a one-day sport horse and one-day dressage show. Event times are Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. This event is free for spectators.
The Raleigh Bottle Club’s Antique Bottle and Collectibles Show will be held in the Martin Building from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $3.
Maker Faire: North Carolina takes place in the Exposition Center on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Celebrating things people create themselves, the Maker Faire is reviving the spirit of American creativity and innovation. With items including electronic gizmos, “slow made” food and homemade clothes, the event is like a craft fair, science fair and world’s fair all rolled into one. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6-18 and free for children 5 and under.
A church service will be hosted by Church of God – A Worldwide Association worship service on Sunday in the Martin Building.
And don’t forget, the Raleigh Flea Market is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
For a complete calendar of events, visit www.ncstatefair.org/events/calendar.htm.