For the third straight day, attendance at the N.C. State Fair on Sunday was below last year’s numbers, and a spokesman said weather may have been a factor.
Despite clear skies, Sunday’s brisk weather may have dampened attendance, particularly after the sun went down, said Brian Long, spokesman for the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Sunday’s 85,495 visitors was about 8,000 fewer than the same day last year.
“I think the cool temperatures probably were a factor yesterday,” Long said. “I noticed we didn’t have a huge night-time crowd last night.”
Attendance at the first three full days of the fair is 215,618, compared to 253,596 last year. Another 35,215 people attended the extra half day added to the beginning of this year's fair on Thursday.
Temperatures are expected to rebound into the mid-60s today and the lower 70s on Tuesday, under mostly sunny skies.
“We’ll see if the weather was a factor or not over the next couple of days,” Long said.
Comments
Well, it's still fun
Tue, 10/21/2008 - 09:59 — Anonymous (not verified)I went to the fair on Saturday. Yes, it's crowded, but it was still a lot of fun. I bought my tickets online ahead of time for the discount, took the bus there, and spent more time in the exhibit halls than on the midway. Did I spend money? Of course, but I had an amazing time w/ a good friend w/out blowing my budget. The best parts (haha, other than the food) of the fair are free or inexpensive. I can see where it would be difficult to take a large family that wants to ride rides, etc., but for those of you looking to get out & see everything, it can still be affordable.
They make it where people cant afford it
Mon, 10/20/2008 - 21:13 — candymints3I moved to Raleigh NC 7 years ago and i have never went to the fair. I have to admitt i hate crowds and would never go when its crowded but they make it for people like me to never be able to afford it, and of course with whats been going on with money for everyone how do they expect people to afford it. Times are tough now for most people thats the main reason why its slower this year than ever.
Temperature?
Mon, 10/20/2008 - 21:11 — Anonymous (not verified)The prices are ridiculous as it is. It's the economy that is keeping people away.
It's supposed to be
Mon, 10/20/2008 - 19:30 — Anonymous (not verified)It's supposed to be cool/cold at the fair. I have lived here my entire life and it is very uncomfortable going to the fair when it is warm. Cold weather is fair weather! If anything, the economy is affecting attendance.
I went it still seemed like
Mon, 10/20/2008 - 15:15 — Anonymous (not verified)I went it still seemed like a lot of people sunday
Crime
Mon, 10/20/2008 - 15:07 — Anonymous (not verified)Why don't you check out the arrest reports at the fairgrounds? I understand there was an arrest Saturday night for a 17-year-old packing heat. Cops are very nervous, especially at night. Why? Gangs. That might be a reason families are staying away. Ask yourself, why are patrons at the RBC Center checked for knives, guns, etc., but not the state fair. Don't wait until someone's killed there to check into this story.
Is weather the reason?
Mon, 10/20/2008 - 15:01 — Anonymous (not verified)C'mon, you're saying the WEATHER is the reason people aren't going to the fair? Get real! The weather has been beautiful the past several days. The entire US economy is melting down--who can afford to go to the fair?
NC State Fair Flower and Garden Show
Mon, 10/20/2008 - 14:54 — Ging McCay (not verified)One site not to miss at the NC State Fair is the Flower and Garden Show. What a delightful respite from the hustle and bustle, noise and fried foods. Take a walk through the flower show to see all the beautiful cut roses, perennials, annuals, trees and shrubs to inspire you to re-landscape your yard. Then, check out the competition gardens to further inspire how these plants look planted together. You will see Christmas scenes, historic Charleston gardens, purple rocks, vegetable gardens, handicap, and storybook gardens. See if you agree with the judges to pick your favorite.
Most of the commercial gardens are truly outstanding this year. Garden Supply outdid themselves with the walled garden and walk. Camellia Forest demonstrated a Japanese garden including tea camellias (you know how we Southerners love our sweet tea and these are the type plants where tea comes from!) A Water Wise Works garden will give you ideas on how to plant so constant watering will not be an issue and still be an exciting and pretty garden. We are also very fortunate this year to have a commissioned work by Beechwood Metal Works which will will be installed as a rooftop garden at UNC Children's Hospital after visiting the fair. Have a look at the cattails with giant dragon flies overhead. Ever seen a 10 foot tall daylily? Have a look and don't miss the hummingbird drinking nectar from it while the ladybugs watch. The venders from the NC State Farmers Market are well represented with perennials, container gardens and boxwood. Looking for a source for Christmas wreaths and greenery, find a source right there in the gardens.
Hope you will come out to see how lovely and refreshing the area is and feel yourself relax.
fair attendance
Mon, 10/20/2008 - 14:48 — Anonymous (not verified)Too bad you don't know who's not going to the Fair this year. I would bet that the exhorbitant prices at the Fair have more to do with attendance than the weather. It's pretty expensive proposition, even with discounted tickets.
Fair weather
Mon, 10/20/2008 - 14:45 — Randy1974Why don't we have the State Fair in July or August when we need the rain?!?
It is not fun to go any
Mon, 10/20/2008 - 14:22 — Anonymous (not verified)It is not fun to go any more... last year everywhere was so dirty and disorganized...
maybe a lot of us just can't
Mon, 10/20/2008 - 14:12 — Anonymous (not verified)maybe a lot of us just can't afford to go to the fair this year.