Family offerings plentiful at the N.C. State Fair

RALEIGH – For the young and young at heart, the N.C. State Fair has loads of family fun for all ages, from traditional agricultural competitions and educational exhibitions to pint-sized children’s rides and thrilling, stunt-filled bike shows.

Family-friendly entertainers honoring the state’s past are the backbone of the Fair’s entertainment lineup, and this year’s homage to traditional North Carolina roots is no exception:

Pitzer Heritage Circle (near Gate 8): Sit back as storyteller Sharon Hutto spins a few tall tales against the background sounds of a working blacksmith and chair maker. A new stage has been added for old-time bluegrass performances by the Wells Family, Oct. 12-16, and the Kenny and Amanda Smith Band, Oct. 17-21.

Village of Yesteryear (Holshouser Building): Journey back in time to when bowls, utensils, jewelry and toys were made by hand. More than 75 artists and crafters will offer goods for sale and kids can make their own dolls or stuffed toys for a small fee.

Folk Festival (behind Kerr Scott Building): This 10-day competition, held daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., features competitors young and old belting out bluegrass songs and kicking up their heels in high-energy clogging and square dance.

At the Fair, visitors will find plenty of opportunities to learn about animals and agriculture:

Field of Dreams (between Dorton Arena and Kiddieland Fun Park): “Harvest” apples, corn, peanuts and other crops and learn how these commodities turn into everyday staples such as peanut butter and cereal. Children can then “sell” their pickings at the exhibit’s Farmers Market and spend their profits at the Field of Dreams Grocery Store.

State Fair Ark (Expo Center) and Petting Zoo (near Gate 2): Interact with baby chicks and goats at the Fair’s petting zoo. Milk a live cow at the State Fair Ark and learn how each livestock animal is vital to the state’s economy. Hand-washing stations will be available to wash up after touching the animals.

Circle C Racing Pigs (near Gate 9): Squeal with delight along with the pigs (and goats and geese) racing around a family-favorite 200-foot track known as the Hogway Speedway. Watch for shows at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 p.m. daily.

Kiddieland Midway and Fun Park (near Gate 1): Hop on the Rockin’ Tug and other rides dedicated to youngsters, or check out one of the following shows in the Kiddieland Park: Magic 4 U, Mobile Robots and the Raggs Kids Club Band.

Tweens and teens alike will cheer for the edge-of-their-seat action of the Fair’s Grandstand entertainment:

Demolition Derby (Grandstand): Hear metal crunch and tires grind at this exhilarating car and truck free-for-all held Friday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 20, at 2 and 7 p.m., with the championship match on Sunday, Oct. 21, at 2 p.m. Each show requires a $7 admission ticket.

Keith King Bike Stunt Show (Grandstand): Watch X-Games competitors take to the air with high-flying bike tricks Monday-Friday, Oct. 15-19, at noon, 3, 5 and 7 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 21, at noon and 5 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 21 at noon, 5 and 7 p.m.

Some of the best acts and exhibitions at the State Fair are just too good to be kept in one place:

Farm Animal Frenzy (various locations): Be the judge of 18 area high school art classes’ creatively decorated roosters, cows, horses and pigs. Pick your favorite and vote online at www.ncstatefair.org for the contest’s “People’s Choice Award.”

Roaming acts and artists (various locations): Keep an eye out for Al the Artist, stilt-walker Carrie McQueen, a living statue and interactive musicians Washboard Willy and Wishboard Wanda, wandering the fairgrounds and looking for fun.

Photo-op sites (various locations): Get a jump start on holiday pictures at several special photo sites decorated with banners and attractive backdrops. Sites include the Expo Center’s giant pumpkins, an area in Kiddieland, at the Field of Dreams exhibit and in the North Lobby of Dorton Arena at the North Carolina Christmas tree display, all noted on the daily program map.

For more information, visit the State Fair Web site at www.ncstatefair.org. The Fair runs Oct. 12-21at the State Fairgrounds.

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