Source: NCDA&CS, 7/29/11

The N.C. Mountain State Fair may not start until Sept. 9, but now is a great time to think about saving money to make your fair experience more enjoyable. Discount tickets go on sale Aug. 1 at several locations. Fairgoers can save $1 off gate admission tickets and 50 percent on ride tickets when purchased before the fair starts.

Advance prices are $6 for adults ages 13-64, $2 for seniors ages 65 and older, $2 for children ages 6-12 and $5 for groups of 30 people or more. Ride tickets will be sold for $6 for a sheet of 12 tickets. Each ride requires four to six tickets.

For the first time, fair officials are offering a Family Fun Pack for $30, which includes five gate admission tickets, tickets for four rides and 10 discount vendor coupons. The vendor coupons offer savings off popular fair foods.

“The Family Fun Pack is a great value for any family or anyone wanting to come to the fair multiple times,” said Matt Buchanan, manager of the N.C. Mountain State Fair. “Bundling the admission, ride and food coupons makes it a great value. It’s hard to go wrong with this offer.”

Advance discount tickets and the Family Fun Pack will be available Aug. 1 through Sept. 8 at area Ingles stores, the WNC Ag Center and the WNC Farmers Market in Asheville. Tickets will also be available for purchase online at www.mountainfair.org from Aug. 1 through Sept. 2. Online orders will be sent by first-class mail.

A complete fair schedule is available online at www.mountainfair.org. Questions may be directed to (828) 687-1414.