NC State Fair (Raleigh: landscaping, buying, school)

[jnj873]

I remember reading somewhere that the NC State Fair will be in Raleigh the weekend we move down in October. Can anyone give me the low-down on the fair? Are their animals (I do love the cows!)? Any help would be appreciated! Thanks so much!

[MikeJaquish]

Originally Posted by jnj873

I remember reading somewhere that the NC State Fair will be in Raleigh the weekend we move down in October. Can anyone give me the low-down on the fair? Are their animals (I do love the cows!)? Any help would be appreciated! Thanks so much!

You'll see cows, and deep-fried oreos!
North Carolina State Fair ~ seriously twisted fun! (http://www.ncstatefair.org/2007a/ - broken link)

[lamishra]

Oh...the State Fair is a don't miss if you don't mind the crowds. There is so much to see and do besides the rides!

The food is awesome (even the regular food, not just the "deep fried stuff")
plenty of farm animals to see
plenty of rides
the Village of yesteryear is an indoor arts and crafts expo
there is a really neat little agricultural/garden area that is lovely to walk around and look at all the landscaping exhibitions. It's an AWESOME little place to sit and relax away from the crowds. It's usually very quiet back there.
seperate area for little kids' rides
Cake decorating and other food related contests (pies, cakes, canning, preserves, biggest pumpkin etc)
demolition derby!
nightly concerts in Dorton arena and nightly fireworks
There is really more than that, I would highly recommend buying advanced tickets and try to go on a weekday if you have little children. You didn't hear this from me and don't tell your teacher I said it, but lots of locals take their kids out of school for a day during the week to go to the fair when it's less crowded.

ALso, be prepared to do some serious people watching LOL. There are so many different people there, you'll be amazed. My last word of advice is don't stress out there. It's crowded, it can be hot, the lines for rides can be long, people will bump into you, people will bump you with strollers, people will abruptly stop walking in front of you and you'll be stuck, you will probably get totally lost, you'll probably run into some seriously rude people and hear some choice words, but that's all just part of it.

[VickiR]

I've lived here for so long that I would NEVER consider going to the State Fair on the weekend!

We usually go about 2 or 3PM on a Tuesday or Wednesday and stay until the fireworks go off about 9:30.

Next I'll be telling ya the secret to parking at the mall during Christmas!

Vicki

[jnj873]

Thank you all so much! It sounds just like what I was hoping! We move in on Monday, so maybe by Wednesday we can venture over. I will check out the website. Thanks again! Everyone is so helpful!!!

[mfrank2109]

The State Fair is definitely a slice of life. If you want to see the animals though it's best to go during the first few days. Gradually as the judging occurs you'll find fewer and fewer.