Greensboro's African American Community Newspaper since 1967
RALEIGH – It’s time for deep fried funnel cakes and delectable giant doughnuts, Ferris Wheels, humongous pumpkins and watermelons, the best baked cakes and pies, grilled corn on the cob garnished in hot Cheetos, giant turkey legs to be gobbled down, thousands of livestock on view, games and prizes galore to be won at the 2024 North Carolina State Fair. This year the fair will offer a variety of new entertainers along with some popular returning acts, plus the addition of two new amusement rides at this year’s fair.
The Strolling Piano makes its debut at the 2024 State Fair. The piano is motorized and moves around the fairgrounds during each performance. Fairgoers will be able to walk alongside the piano as the piano player takes requests from classic rock to Disney favorites. The Strolling Piano can be found near Gate 2 behind Dorton Arena near the SkyGazer Ferris Wheel.
The Red Trouser Show makes a return to the fair. It features the acrobatic duo of David Graham and Tobin Renwick, who combine balancing on each other’s heads while juggling an assortment of items such as fire sticks. This act performs daily on the brick patio area in front of Dorton Arena.
“Part of the success of the N.C. State Fair is the blend of time-honored acts and exhibits with new entertainment and shows,” said Kent Yelverton, N.C. State Fair director. “Each year we seek to find the right mix to keep the fair fresh, but familiar.”
Pumpkin carver Jim Bille Creatives will be providing tips and techniques for creating realistic looking faces on pumpkins. He will be in the Flower and Garden Show area.
New rides featured at this year’s fair are a giant 210-foot giant slide and a Candyland Adventure Funhouse.
Other popular returning acts in the fairgrounds include The Birdman: World Class Bird Show featuring birds of prey; Rock-It the Robot; Ember Fire Arts; Agri-cadabra - the Magic of Agriculture; and Hot Diggity Dog – a dog and hog act. The Homegrown Music Fest is also returning with an impressive lineup of performers. In addition, 40 musical performers will grace the Waterfall and Heritage Circle stages this year at the fair.
The 2024 North Carolina State Fair will run Oct. 17-27 at the N.C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.
GoRaleigh shuttles provide park-and-ride routes daily from The Triangle Town Center Shopping Mall to the fairgrounds. The non-stop express shuttles run every 30 minutes from 8:30 a.m. until fair closing. Cost is $5 round trip, or $4 one way and tickets can be purchased in advance through the UMO app. Half-price fares offered for seniors and passengers with disabilities. Kids under 40” tall ride for free. Look for the park and ride signs near Dillard’s parking lot.
The fair offers an experience unique to North Carolina with endless family activities, competitions, vendors, and delicious foods from jerk chicken and Mexican egg rolls to fried Oreos, Reese’s cups and snickers bars. It’s all delicious and delightful at the state fair. For more information, visit www.ncstatefair.org.
