Weekend update: May 29-31

Come see the N.C. Junior Beef Roundup Saturday and Sunday in the Graham Building.

It may be getting hotter as we officially head toward summer, but for those who might be weary of the rising temperatures, much of the activity this weekend at the fairgrounds will be indoors. A few of the highlights include weightlifting, cattle, toy trains and more:
NC Strongest Man & Woman USA-Powerlifting State Championships
Visitors can see more than 200 athletes compete in strongman lifting and powerlifting competitions Saturday. The competition, hosted by Train Strongman LLC and USA Powerlifting, will take place in Dorton Arena from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

ReefSMART
Want to learn how to make your own rocks? Then attend this vendor exposition sponsored by Sustainable Reef, a nonprofit organization that promotes commercial entities who produce captive-grown corals and other reef species. In addition to offering free swag and raffles from numerous vendors, the expo will present coral frag making demonstrations. The exhibition will take place in the Holshouser Building on Saturday. Doors open at 11 a.m., with $20 admission between 11 a.m. and noon. Free general admission from noon to 6 p.m.

The North Carolina Junior Beef Roundup
This youth livestock show will take place Saturday and Sunday in the Graham Building with event competition starting at 7:30 a.m. each day. Come see the state’s youth compete in skill and showmanship competitions. The “roundup” events will offer family-friendly activities. Admission is free to spectators.

Toy Train Sale and Swap Meet
Over 100 vendors will be set up in the Scott Building Saturday and Sunday featuring products including toy trains, train accessories, tracks, switches and other hard-to-find parts. Presenting one of the largest O gauge train layouts ever set up in Raleigh, this event will also feature over 30 child-friendly interactive modules. The event is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. General admission is $6 for adults and free for children under 13 who are accompanied by an adult.

Capital Dressage Classic
This official qualifying competition for the 2015 Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships will also include a vendor fair featuring businesses such as Elite Vet Products and Custom Saddlery. The event is free to spectators and will be housed in the Hunt Horse Complex from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

And if you are interested in spending the day outdoors, the Raleigh Flea Market is still open every Saturday and Sunday at the fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

About Merrie Go Round

Merrie Go Round is the midway alter-ego of Andrea Ashby, who has officially spent 252 days during the past 24 years at the N.C. State Fair. That's perfect attendance in case you were wondering. In addition to promoting the Fair, looking for untold Fair stories and working on various special events, I also spend a great deal of time roaming the grounds taking photos for the Website and State Fair publications. I like to keep my eyes and ears posted for the unusual and different things that make the State Fair such a great celebration of North Carolina people, traditions and history. I look forward to sharing with you the things I come across on my journey.

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