Summary: The N.C. State Fair is just nine days away and fairgoers can save time and money by purchasing their tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased online from the State Fair website, at central Circle K locations and walk-up locations at the state fairgrounds, the N.C. Museum of History and the State Farmers Market.

Today’s Topic with Southern Farm Network’s Mike Davis

§ Today we are exactly 10 days out from the start of the N.C. State Fair, so I wanted to remind listeners they still have time to purchase their admission and ride tickets in advance and save money.

§ I am looking forward to opening the doors after hitting pause for a year due to the pandemic. After the past year, people need something to look forward to, and the State Fair is a fall tradition cherished by so many. It truly is an event that pulls people together in a celebration of community and our state’s No. 1 industry.

§ I keep hearing from many people who tell me they are happy we are going to hold the fair this year. I heard the same thing about the Mountain State Fair, which we successfully wrapped up Sept. 19 in Fletcher.

§ We know this year’s Fair may not be for everyone and we respect people’s decisions regarding that. But, as we see from football games, concerts, festivals and other activities, people are out and about.

§ I continue to encourage people to get vaccinated if they have not done so already. That being said we will not require fairgoers to provide proof of vaccination to attend.

§ Buying tickets in advance will help fairgoers save time and money. Fairgoers can buy tickets online at www.ncstatefair.org, at central Circle K locations. This is a new vendor for us this year.

§ Fairgoers can also purchase tickets at Gate 9 at the State Fairgrounds, at the North Carolina Museum of History and at the State Farmers Market.

§ Adult tickets in advance are $10 compared to $13 at the door. Kids tickets for ages 6-12 are $5 in advance versus $7 in advance.

§ Ride tickets are $10 for a sheet of 18 tickets, compared to $18 at the fair.

§ For people who really enjoy the rides, ride wristbands are on sale for $30 in advance or $40 at the fair.

§ These are great opportunities for savings, but it will also save people time when they come to the fair by allowing guests to bypass the longer entrance lines selling tickets. You will already have your tickets in hand when you arrive.

§ The fair runs Oct. 14-24. If you are planning to attend, be sure to check out our Got to Be NC Pavilion that will be highlighting North Carolina products in Dorton Arena. This is a new location for the Pavilion, allowing the potential for more vendors to participate. Check out some of the great products made right here in North Carolina.

§ In addition to the Pavilion, the N.C. Public House will move up to the South Side of Dorton Arena, showcasing North Carolina beer, wine, ciders and craft sodas.

§ If you are looking for the Folk Festival, it has moved near the Historic Church near the Holshouser Building and Heritage Circle.

§ I am looking forward to seeing folks return to the N.C. State Fair.