Visitors can enjoy all the thrills of the N.C. Mountain State Fair, plus save some money by taking advantage of advance ticket sales and several special promotions during the fair’s 10-day run Sept. 9-18.
“For the best deal on ride tickets and gate admission, fairgoers should really consider purchasing their tickets in advance,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “However, there are still plenty of opportunities to save money once the fair has opened.”
Friday Night Frenzy, a popular promotion with high school students, will be offered Sept. 9 and Sept. 16. For $25, guests will receive gate admission and unlimited rides Friday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets will be available for purchase at the WNC Agricultural Center each Friday. The two-part ticket will include one admission ticket that can be used all day and a ride ticket that can be exchanged for an unlimited-ride hand stamp at designated areas on the midway after 9 p.m.
Fairgoers also can take advantage of three unlimited-ride days planned during the fair. On Monday, Sept. 12, and Thursday, Sept. 15, visitors can purchase an unlimited ride ticket for $20 and ride all day. On Tuesday, Sept. 13, an unlimited-ride day geared to families with small children will be offered. During the promotion, children ages 12 and under can enjoy unlimited rides all day for $20. Unlimited-ride promotions do not include gate admission.
On Wednesday, Sept. 14, the fair will host its annual Ingles Day, with free gate admission for visitors bringing five cans of Laura Lynn brand food to the fair. All food collected during the event will benefit the MANNA Food Bank, which serves 16 counties in Western North Carolina.
The fair also will host N.C. Education Lottery Day on Saturday, Sept. 17. Visitors 18 and older can receive a free scratch-and-win ticket for each adult admission ticket purchased during the day. Winning tickets can be exchanged for prizes from the Education Lottery. In addition, the fair will offer free gate admission for students in grades K-12 until 6 p.m. on Sept. 9. Free gate admission will be offered to seniors ages 65 and older all day on Sept. 16.
The 2016 N.C. Mountain State Fair returns to the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher Sept. 9-18. Discounted advance tickets are available at area Ingles stores, the WNC Agricultural Center and the WNC Farmers Market. Fairgoers can save $2 on gate admission tickets and 50 percent on ride tickets by purchasing in advance. More information about the fair is available at www.mountainfair.org.