Enjoy the Raleigh Flea Market while you can. The market temporarily closes Sept. 24.
I can’t tell you how excited I am about this weekend at the fairgrounds. That’s because, we’re hosting the 31st annual Greek Festival. After more than 30 years, the cultural festival long been a Raleigh tradition. If you’ve never been, you can look forward to authentic Greek food and pastries, cooking demonstrations, music and dancing and a Greek marketplace. The festival is open Friday from 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and teens ages 13-19, and free for children under 13. You can find a coupon for free admission in most newspapers or online at www.holytrinityraleigh.org/GreekFestival/.
The Greek Festival is just one of many events planned for this weekend. Read on for more details.
NC State Championship Horse Show
The 55th annual N.C. Championship Horse Show will be held at the Hunt Horse Complex through Saturday. Shows run daily starting at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Admission is free for spectators.
N.C. State CALS Alumni and Friends Tailgate Party
CALS alumni and friends will gather together in Dorton Arena before the South Alabama game at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday. Activities include live music, games, a children’s area and more. There also will be an all-you-can eat buffet with shrimp, chicken and barbecue. The tailgate begins at 1 p.m. Admission is $17 for adults, $14 for students, $8 for ages 4-12 and free for children under 4.
Central North Carolina Pagan Pride Day
This festival, held at the L.R. Harrill Center, offers both entertainment and education with a variety of social, commercial and spiritual activities. Attendees are welcome to join or observe rituals, attend workshops and meet with a variety of local groups. The event runs Saturday and Sunday from 10:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Old North State Antique Gun & Military Collector Show
In the Scott Building, visitors will find an array of antique guns, U.S. and foreign military arms and memorabilia on display and for purchase. The show also includes relics, books, uniforms and insignias. The event is open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $1 for children ages 7-12, and free for children under 7.
DogGoneFast Flyball Club Flyball Tournament
Dog lovers will gather at the Holshouser Building for competition flyball. Dogs and people alike will go wild over this relay race with teams of four dogs. The competition runs Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free for spectators.
Raleigh Flea Market
The Raleigh Flea Market will be open for two more weekends before it closes for the State Fair, including this weekend. Come out and enjoy all the offerings from more than 100 vendors at the largest flea market in Raleigh. The flea market is open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Speaking of the State Fair, we are less than a month away. If you haven’t already done so, you can purchase your tickets in advance at www.ncstatefair.org/2012. You’ll also find more information there about all the rides, entertainment and agricultural exhibits you can expect at this year’s fair.
