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State Fair Tips
My family column on Friday in The N&O will give tips for parents headed to the fair. I thought I'd share a few here and hope others will too.
1. Go on the weekdays if you can. The weekends are the busiest with Saturday being the most busiest. The busiest times are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the weekends. All of the activities - including free entertainment and exhibits - are open throughout the week.
2. Get there early - you'd beat the crowds on the weekend and even on the weekdays. The gates officially open at 8 a.m. - though the exhibits generally don't open until 9 a.m. and the rides at 10 a.m. But you could get there a little before 9, have breakfast and scout things out.
3. Take the bus. It might seem like a headache - but so is parking. Plus, my daughter loves taking the bus - it might be the only ride you have to pay for.
4. Skip the admission fee on Oct. 23. That's Food Lion Hunger Relief Day. Bring in four cans of food to the fair and receive free admission - $7 for adults and $2 for kids ages 6 to 12.
5. At 6 p.m. most days (Oct. 18-Oct. 22, Oct. 24 and Oct. 26 - check the schedule for any time change), you can see storytellers in the Folk Festival Tent. Seems like a good way to get away from all the activity, bring your dinner and relax for a bit.
6. The character Diego (of Dora and ...) will be making the rounds of the fair from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 26.
7. Be sure to check out the fair's Web site for the schedule before you go.
Have fun!
Comments
Does anyone know how this fair vendor views the parent's riding when it's required for a child that's smaller than the requirement to ride alone? In past years, some vendors let the parents ride free & some vendors require a ticket for the parent/adult also. I'd like to know the official answer before we head out there.
Thanks!
Be sure to check out Frankie Faucet and the Drips three times a day at the waterfall stage.
Stahlmommyoftwo - I was out of town since Thursday. I'm checking on that - though maybe it's too late.
OK - got the answer from Powers Great American Midways, which runs the midway.
If your child is 3 years old and under or under 36 inches, they need supervision on the kiddie rides. Adults who supervise those kids on the rides can ride for free. So if you want to hold your 3-year-old on the horse on the carousel, you ride for free.
This is allowed for the carousel, fire chief and dizzy dragon rides, along with a few more. If you have questions about this, I'm told the folks in the guest relations booth have all the answers.
Hope that helps and it's not too late!