The 2006 N.C. State Fair began yesterday and continues thru next Sunday. We had a chance to go on the opening day and found much fun for a young family.
If you ever hear anyone quickly dismiss the fair as "a bunch of rednecks", they haven’t spent much time learning about the finer things the fair has to offer. As one of the largest agricultural fairs in the nation, there is naturally a large amount of livestock on display. We ventured into the new exhibition building to see the young people showing their sheep yesterday. Many of the winning cattle were also on display as well as the winning vegetables. Most notable was the 660-ish pound pumpkin. The exhibit hall also features an important hand-washing tunnel. With special lighting, visitors are able to see just how poorly they are with the easiest of sanitation measures.
The Men’s Garden Club exhibit is always interesting. Located near the lake, the exhibit contains numerous flowers and miniature yards with labeled plants – good for offering landscaping ideas in this area.
Of course the fair contains excellent, safe rides. The old midway is being phased out, and the new midway which replaces most of the old dirt track, is growing. One important addition is the new Martin building containing large bathrooms and the Red Cross headquarters. As in recent years, the children’s rides are concentrated between the Scott Building and Dorton Arena. There are a few excellent large rides, however us seasoned veterans miss rides like the double ferris wheel, the Giant Wheel, and the Skydiver.
So if you’ve made it to this point of the post, you deserve some pearls. The chainsaw exhibition on Friday was outstanding. The project of the day was a 5 foot tall replica of Rod Brind’Amour holding up the Stanley Cup. The exhibit took place between the Village of Yesteryear (aka "Hell") and the Heritage Circle (map it).
The food at the fair is ample reason for many to attend. We started our day off with the fair’s best corn dog. The stand, located near Gate 1 (look for the bright red and yellow signs), is one of the cleanest facilities at the fair. (map it). Next, it was on to the Cary Methodist Church booth for the fair’s best ham biscuit and brunswick stew. Located directly across from the WRAL tent, the church booth is actually in one of the few remaining permanent buildings on the fairgrounds. (map it).
Next, it was on to one of our long-time favorites, Al’s French Fries. Similar to those at Five Guys, the Al’s French Fries have been one of the few fries which were better with vinegar on them. (they do make vinegar flavored potato chips, afterall). Al’s has two locations, but traditionally the one near the new exhibition building has served better french fries. (map it)
Next it was on to the ally in front of the grandstand entrance. In that area you’ll find the best ear of corn at the fair, excellent funnel cakes, giant turkey legs, Normant’s salt water taffy, N.C.State ice cream, and the best kept secret at the fair: Chef Rameaux. Located two trailers to the right of the grandstand entrance (map it), the little white trailer with the alligator on top serves Rameaux’s Alligator sausage (on a stick-excellent), chicken gumbo (outstanding), red beans and rice, shrimp etoufee, and other goodies. Most everything at the booth is around $6, but the serving sizes are whopping. Each time I go to the fair I find a new treasure worth celebrating. This booth was it this year.
Parking during the weekend is always a nightmare. I strongly suggest saving your legs by riding shuttle busses which take you to Gate 1, a great place to start. We parked at Carter-Finley stadium and walked, which wasn’t a particularly bad walk for many adults, but it wasn’t great. The problem is that the gate 8 is the lowest point of the fairgrounds.
We avoided the hike uphill to Gate 1 (remember, we started it all off with corndogs at Gate 1) by riding the tram from the Grist Mill to Gate 1. Don’t get too excited, though. The tram consist of a slowly moving tractor which wound its way through the parking lot behind the new midway up to the Scott Building. From there it meandered to the Jim Graham Building, and eventually wrapped around Dorton Arena to Gate 1. My suggestion for the $3 tram is to ride it to avoid hills, but save time by getting off when you are near your destination. The tram’s route is convoluted and takes 5-10 minutes breaks at each stop.
As we waddled out of the fair, we were sure to buy some cotton candy for the road. Ironic though, because it will take more than just a little moisture to shrivel up the great memories of our day.
