- 11.23.2009
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50°F
Get ready for the 2009 N.C. State Fair! We just couldn't wait until the fair starts on Oct. 15 to begin reporting on its annual 10-days of statewide competitions, thrilling rides and everything fried on a stick.
In this blog, we'll touch base with some of you who are already baking up that blue ribbon cake or polishing the hooves on your champion steer. We'll also keep you up-to-date on what's going to be new and different about the fair this year.
Fair numbers still down Wednesday
Wednesday's attendance at the State Fair was 67,028 people — down from last year's 75,746 on the Wednesday of the fair.
Fair vendors are seeing smaller crowds this year than last. Some blame the struggling economy, while others point to chilly weather.
Since the fair opened last Thursday, only Tuesday has seen attendance higher than the same day last year. Overall through Wednesday, fair attendance was 443,592 — down from 462, 191 for the same period last year. This year's fair also included an extra half day open on Thursday.
Officials are hoping for attendance to rebound today, when fairgoers can get in free with a donation of four cans of food. Traditionally, Can Day gives the fair a nice attendance spike.
