Weekend Update: March 30-April 1

It’s hard to believe we’ve almost wrapped up the first three months of 2012. That means the State Fair will be here before you know it. Sadly, it’s not this weekend. But, there are plenty of activities going on at the fairgrounds we think you will enjoy.

The Wake County Library Book Sale started Thursday in the Graham Building with more than 450,000 items for sale. Bibliophiles and bookworms love this annual event, which benefits the Wake County Library.  Book prices range from $2-4 each. Saturday, you can snag the books for half off those prices and Sunday you can make your own box of books for $5 or fill a bag of books for $2. This event is fun for the whole family, but plan on spending at least a few hours if you go. The sale is open Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

In the Scott Building, there’s a show for people who like shiny objects. The Precious Gem & Mineral Show, sponsored by the Tar Heel Gem & Mineral Club, will include demonstrations on faceting, cabbing, chainmaking, wirewrapping and other techniques. In addition, vendors will be on-hand selling minerals, fossils, finished jewelry, gemstones and beads. Admission is free to the show. Doors are open Friday from 3 to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dorton Arena will be the site of flags, rifles, sabers, percussion lines and choreographed dance routines for the 2012 Atlantic Indoor Association Circuit Championships. Winter guards and drum lines from across North Carolina will compete for top marks and a chance to perform during the finals on Sunday. Competition schedules and ticket information are available online at Atlantic Indoor Association.

If you’re still looking for something to do at the fairgrounds this weekend, don’t forget to stop by the Raleigh Flea Market. You can find everything from dog bowls and cat toys to patio furniture and grill accessories. The flea market is open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Don’t miss these upcoming events at the N.C. State Fairgrounds:

April 5-7: 2012 FIRST NC Robotics Regional Tournament
April 13-15: Southern Ideal Home Show
April 22: Southern Bridal Show & Expo
April 27-29: Southern Women’s Show
May 18-20: Got to Be NC Festival

About Bearded Lady

Paul Jones blogged for the 2009-2012 N.C. State Fairs. Here's his bio from 2009: Paul Jones, here (a.k.a. Bearded Lady). I love the N.C. State Fair. I love the rides, I love the food, but my favorite part of the Fair is the displays of the unusual. The two-headed snake, the world’s smallest woman, the world’s tallest horse and the list goes on. Originally from South Carolina, I hope that I can bring a different perspective to this blog as I shed light on some of the ordinary, yet extraordinary, aspects of this year’s Fair.

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