The N.C. State Fair will feature countless free entertainment acts and exhibits for the whole family, and one of the most mystical acts is brand new to the fairgrounds this year.
The Conjurer Fortune Machine is a nod to the “Zoltar-style” automaton fortune machine that dispenses cards with a fortune. Robert Smith said his act is inspired by the vintage fortune-teller machines you might see in an old arcade or in movies like “Big.” Instead of a mechanical puppet, inside the façade is a real person ready to spring to life when prompted.
Fairgoers will press a button to activate the live Conjurer who offers funny insights and advice before handing out a souvenir fortune card with an inspiring message. It’s a brief interaction, but Smith hopes it’s meaningful.
“I may only be 60 seconds of their day on the fair, but I want to make sure it’s a memorable minute,” Smith said.
Smith said he hopes fairgoers get a laugh or two from their interaction, but he also hopes they can find meaning and inspiration in their fortune card. One of his favorite parts, he said, is watching people walk away from their interaction, read their card and gasp when it resonates with them. Smith said he’s had people find him at events year after year and tell him they kept their fortune messages and have them displayed on bathroom mirrors or other visible places.
“It’s always fun watching people read these messages and interpret them in a way that allows them to apply it to their life,” Smith said.
Smith describes his act as a “happen upon” – while fairgoers might not be attending the fair specifically to find the Conjurer, they might happen upon him and get to experience something new. Smith said this will be his first time performing in North Carolina, and he’s looking forward to being part of this beloved North Carolina tradition.
Fairgoers can “happen upon” the Conjurer Fortune Teller near the Scott Building and the mouth of the Midway at the N.C. State Fair Oct. 16-26.