Top 10 Fair Attractions
By: Cyrus Stewart
What do pigs, water pistols and pickles have in common? They can all be found at the North Carolina State Fair.
Get ready for “A Whole Lotta Happy,” from October 15-25, when more than
800,000 people will jam the midway for fried food, demolition derbies and country music.
Founded in 1853, the North Carolina State Fair is one of the oldest and largest fairs in the country.
Ask a hundred people and get a hundred answers, but here are the top-rated attractions that draw teenagers to the fair each year:
10. Bingo No, not the dog, the game.
9. Fun House If you’re not a fan of mirrors, don’t try this one.
8. Midway Games Beware of the unusually shaped basketball hoop
7. Pig Races Put your money on the curliest tail.
6. Biggest Pumpkin That is 700 pounds, or two Clemson linemen
5. Dorton Arena Concerts From Jason Michael Carroll to Kellie Pickler
4. NC State Dairy Bar Sticky fingers guaranteed
3. Fireworks Not quite as loud as the tractor pull
2. Ferris wheel No rocking just rolling
1. Fried food As in pickles, Snickers, Twinkies and bananas
Warning: EAT AFTER, NOT BEFORE, RIDES
Of course ham biscuits at the Cary United Methodist Church booth and Al’s fries are perennial favorites, too, along with the petting zoo and the Village of Yesteryear. And if you are a thrill ride junkie, then this year’s Fair has a lot to offer, especially the newest swing-flinging drop-zone feature.
On preview day, October 15, unlimited ride wristbands are available for $25.You can buy advance tickets by going to www.ncstatefair.com. You may also find bargain prices at several locations including Triangle Town Center and the State Farmer’s Market.
The Fair can be expensive, so buy tickets early. “I can’t help but spend all of my money trying to win prizes for all my girlfriends. . . it really gets to me, and my wallet.” Said junior Conor Strickland.