Tag Archive for: #ncstatefair

Buy State Fair Tickets Now And Save

/by

 

 

Daydreaming about the cooler days of autumn, when colorful leaves are beginning to fall to the ground and that little nip in the air has you reaching for your sweater?

Well, those cooler October days are also when folks make plans to attend the North Carolina State Fair – so quit your daydreaming and purchase advance tickets and wristbands now to save a little money!

Advance sales will run through Oct. 12 and are $10 for adults and $5 for youth ages 6-12. Unlimited ride wristbands are $30 each and can be purchased online. Wristbands are for one day only and vouchers can be redeemed at the Ride Ticket Plazas once the Fair begins. They are not valid for the State Fair Flyer or the State Fair SkyGazer.

“Advance sale tickets are the best prices you will see all year for the State Fair,” said Kent Yelverton, State Fair manager. “Prices increase once the Fair begins, so buy your tickets now especially if you’re bringing a big group.”

This year, ride ticket credits will be placed on a chipped card which will be presented at each ride and will automatically debit the ticket count for that ride. Ride ticket credits will carry over year-to-year.

“Like many other big state fairs, we have decided to make the switch to ride ticket cards for our guests to use,” Yelverton said. “This new system is easy to use and ensures that everyone spends less time in lines and more time enjoying their time at the Fair.”

Other special themed ticket packages offered include:

  • Dizzy Pass – One gate admission ticket and one unlimited ride wristband for $38
  • Kegs & Cork Pass – One gate admission ticket, one NC Public House beer + wine ticket for $17
  • State Fair Flyer Package – Two gate admission tickets and two round-trip State Fair Flyer tickets for $34
  • State Fair SkyGazer – One gate admission ticket and one State Fair SkyGazer ticket for $14

The 2023 N.C. State Fair will run Oct. 12-22 at the N.C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. The fair offers an experience unique to North Carolina and is an unparalleled value with free entertainment, thrilling rides and games, thousands of animals, endless family activities, competitions, vendors and creative deep-fried delights. For more information, visit www.ncstatefair.org or connect on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @ncstatefair.org.

State Fair 2023 Taking Applications For ‘Farm Family Of The Day’

/by

-information courtesy of the N.C. State Fair Office

 

The N.C. State Fair is looking for 11 farm families to recognize during the fair for its Farm Family of the Day, presented by Tractor Supply Company. Nominations are being accepted through Sept. 15.

If you are proud to be an N.C. farmer, work hard to contribute to the state’s No. 1 industry and love both farming and the N.C. State Fair, your farm family could be one of the lucky ones selected.

Families recognized as Farm Family of the Day honorees will be awarded an N.C. State Fair gift basket including fair tickets to use on any day of their choice during the 2023 N.C. State Fair, ride passes and additional swag from Tractor Supply Company and the N.C. State Fair.

Families will be chosen by both nomination and application. Applications can be found at https://www.ncstatefair.org/2023/Attractions/FarmFamilyOfTheDay.htm.

The “Farm Family of the Day” program, sponsored by Tractor Supply Company, is returning for its third year to recognize and celebrate more of our state’s rich agricultural heritage and the farm families that are behind our $103.2 billion agriculture and agribusiness industry.

“The State Fair’s earliest beginnings sought to elevate the understanding of new agricultural practices and technology. Helping people make the connection between farming and the food that they enjoy is one of our top missions at the N.C. State Fair each year,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

“Thanks to Tractor Supply Company, we can help tell the story of our farmers because they are the individuals out there every day working to grow the food, fiber and fuel that we need to survive.”

The 2023 N.C. State Fair will run Oct. 12-22 at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. The fair offers an experience unique to North Carolina for all who attend, and is an unparalleled value with free entertainment, thrilling rides and games, thousands of animals, endless family activities, competitions, vendors and creative deep-fried delights.

For more information, visit www.ncstatefair.org.

Now’s The Time To Think About Entering A State Fair Exhibit

/by

-information courtesy of the N.C. State Fair Press Office

October seems a long way off, but for anyone interested in entering any of the competitions at the annual N.C. State Fair, fall is just around the corner.

The fair is slated for Oct. 12-22 in Raleigh and its Competitive Exhibits Coordinator John Buettner wants to make sure all prospective exhibitors have plenty of time to check out rules and deadlines for all the different exhibit categories.

Whether it’s culinary arts, handicrafts and hobbies, livestock exhibitions, horticulture or something else, there probably is a competition for most everyone to enter.

“We have a lot of classic categories and even a few new categories for competitions, and only a few require an entry fee” Buettner stated. Now is the time to read about competition rules and deadlines.

“With 4,027 classes of competitions available for entry, there is truly something for everyone. We love to see all of the talent in our state, so don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of one of North Carolina’s most cherished traditions,” he added.

To enter a competition, go to ncstatefair.org and click on competitions. The website offers a guide to all competitions, events and attractions visitors can expect during this year’s fair. Entrants can start registering online now. The deadline for submitting entries is Sept. 15, but don’t hesitate to enter in your preferred competitions early.

All contest entrants are required to submit W-9 forms along with their entry submissions. This ensures that necessary tax-related information is collected from participants. Guides and sample forms can be found on the Fair’s official website, ncstatefair.org.

The N.C. State Fair works with ShoWorks, a data management software, to compile entries. Entry forms can be mailed in or entered using the ShoWorks website or app.

“We are always excited to see what competitiors bring each year,” Buetnner said. “Whether it’s your first time entering or you’re a seasoned pro, it’s a great idea to get started early on your entries.”

Calling All State Fair Competitors: Enter By Sept. 15 Deadline!

/by

Think you’ve got a blue-ribbon zucchini bread recipe? Want to see how that batch of blackberry jam or fig preserves stands up to state competition? Or do you have an exquisite quilt or other handcrafted item that you’d like to show off a bit?

Then consider entering the 2022 N.C. State Fair competitions, which are open now through Sept. 15.

The Fair will be held Oct. 13-23 in Raleigh. This year’s theme is “So Happy Together,” surely a nod to reclaiming participation in events that had been hindered by COVID-19 restrictions for the past two years.

In addition to the traditional competitions like artwork, honey, livestock, cooking, canned food, flowers and decorating skills, new competitions include ink pen decorated seashells and artwork-inspired floral arrangements, according to information from fair organizers.

“It is exciting to announce new competitions to go along with categories that are always so popular, like decorated cakes and quilts,” said John Buettner, competitive exhibits coordinator. “We have competitions to appeal to a wide variety of individuals from seashell painting, painted rocks, terrarium building, shoe decorating and even coloring sheets. I encourage everyone, and all ages, to check out the competitions because just like the N.C. State Fair itself, there is something for everyone.”

In 2021, more than 36,000 items were entered in competitions at the fair.

Most entry deadlines are Sept. 15. Exhibitors must have registered prior to the entry deadline. Entry forms can be mailed in or exhibitors can enter online using ShoWorks, an online application system that is widely used at fairs across the country.

“Exhibitors can enter at the website or by downloading the ShoWorks app. This will help streamline the process, report results quicker and be a way that exhibitors can manage multiple exhibits at a fair or even several fairs,” Buettner said. “Since this is new, we have provided instructions for entering each competition on our website as well.”

Find more information at ncstatefair.org and click on competitions.

NC Dept of Agriculture

Last weekend to shop at Raleigh Flea Market before N.C. State Fair

/by

RALEIGH – The Raleigh Flea Market will close temporarily beginning Sept. 24 in preparation for the 150th N.C. State Fair, which runs Oct. 12-22.

The flea market will operate Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will then remain closed until Saturday, Nov. 4.

The Raleigh Flea Market is one of the largest in the Southeast, hosting hundreds of vendors, craftsmen and booths selling everything from antique furniture and coin collections, to baked goods and clothing items.

This weekend, the public will be able to buy advance admission and ride tickets for the State Fair during the Southern Ideal Home Show in the Jim Graham Building.

In addition to the flea market, the fairgrounds will also host the following events this weekend:

  • Southern Ideal Home Show, Sept. 22-24, Graham Building Exposition Center.
  • NCQHA Tar Heel Futurity Fall Classic Show, Sept. 22-24, Hunt Horse Complex.
  • Supercar Autocross Ride and Drive Experience, Sept. 23-24, Blue Ridge and Trinity Road Lot.
  • DogGoneFast Flyball Club Flyball Tournament, Sept. 23-24, Holshouser Building.
  • North State Toy and Hobby Show, Sept. 23-24, Scott Building.
  • Professional Firefighters and Paramedics of N.C. Presents Mark Chestnutt in Concert, Sept. 24, Dorton Arena.

For information about fairgrounds events, visit www.ncstatefair.org.