MoneySaver: Ways to save at the NC State Fair
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Before you hit the midway for all the fun and food at the NC State Fair from Oct. 16-26, you may want to take note of a few days that can help you save.
First up is Preview Day on Thursday Oct. 16. It's all about the rides.
"It's a great time to come," explained Dept. of Agriculture Public Information Officer Heather Overton. "The gates open at 3:30 p.m. and that is the only time we offer a wrist band for $28. So, you can ride all the rides you want out here at the fairgrounds that day."
Thursday's advance admission is also $7. That's $2 cheaper than the full fare. And, by buying your admission tickets early through Oct. 16, you can also get the $7 dollar admission rate.
"You can buy advance sales online or at nine walk-up locations that are throughout the Triangle," said Overton.
And, if you can organize a group of 40 or more, you can also save on admission.
"You can get your admission tickets for $5 if you buy for a group," said Overton. "So, if you have a church group or community group, you can get organized, or you need 40 tickets, that's the best way to save money in advance."
You can also save big on the tickets for rides by buying early. Sheets of tickets are on sale in advance and are $10 dollars for 18 tickets. Ride tickets are normally a dollar a ticket.
"That's a savings of 45-percent," said Overton.
Senior citizens can get in free every day of the fair and there will be a special day on Tuesday, Oct. 21 with a free breakfast for senior citizens.
Military personnel get in for $5 every day, and on Oct. 22, dependents, retirees, and reservists all get in for $5.
Thursday, Oct. 23 is Food Lion Hunger Relief Day where you can get in free with a donation of five cans of food.
"In the 17 years we've done this event, we've raised 17 million pounds for the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC," said Overton.
You can also bring in your own food or drinks in a cooler to help save money, but coolers will be inspected. Many entertainment acts are also free.
Click here for more info on the NC State Fair.
