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Don’t Miss The Final Weekend For 14th Annual Charlotte Fair

When I think of fair season, I usually think of the Fall.  However, there’s a great fair going on right now!  Don’t miss the final weekend for the 14th annual…

Don't Miss The Final Weekend Of The 14th Annual Charlotte Fair
(Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

When I think of fair season, I usually think of the Fall.  However, there's a great fair going on right now!  Don't miss the final weekend for the 14th annual Charlotte Fair.  Find the Charlotte Fair on Bruton Smith Blvd. near Charlotte Motor Speedway now through Sunday, April, 2.  And, this year's event schedule promises all the fan favorites, including Dock Dogs Big Air, thrill rides, a petting zoo and Lady Houdini.  In fact, the fair is Lady Houdini's first public appearance following a long recovery from injury.  The escape artist performs shows daily through the duration of the fair.  And, the kids love the Rockin' A Ranch petting zoo with a chance to get up close and take a selfie with their favorite farm animals.  Plus, the family will love the Super Cyclone Roller Coaster, Giant Ferris Wheel and more.

Also, keep in mind the Charlotte Fair implemented a youth supervision policy.  Visitors under 18 require accompaniment by a 21+ adult.  And, one adult is allowed to supervise up to 4 minors.  Full details about the policy are available on the fair website.  The Charlotte Fair opens weekdays at 4 p.m. and weekends at 1 p.m.  Parking is $5.00, cash only.  And, all day admission costs $10 for adults and $5 for kids 5-11 years old.  Check the website for specials and options for ride and attraction wristbands.  A portion of the Charlotte Fair's proceeds benefit Speedway Children's Charities.  There's nothing like a good fair to bring out the kid in everybody.  So, don't miss the final weekend for the 14th annual Charlotte Fair!

North Carolina State Fair One Of The Top 10 In The Country

Fall means fair season, especially in the south. And with the NC State Fair just wrapping up I thought it was interesting that it was named one of the Top 10 fairs in the country. This is according to a list by Vacations Made Easy. There are several staples you know you're going to get at any and every fair. Free live music, some form of competitions, carnival rides, and deep-fried and other crazy food concoctions. The one food item that always stands out in my memory is the Krispy Kreme Burger.

I've been to the NC State Fair many times thanks to living in Raleigh for several years. And while I didn't make it there this time I did see the lights and rides from the air as a flight I was on landed at RDU. That was an awesome sight to see! I also have memories of every year during the fair hearing the fireworks show go off right at 1opm each night. All to say, we do have a good one on our hands in Raleigh! But when there are contenders on the stage such as Texas and NY it's even more impressive that we ranked so high!

Below you'll find Vacations Made Easy's rankings of the Top Fairs and learn a little about what makes them unique. Some highlights include a butter cow, football game, and celebrity milking competition!

1. Kentucky State Fair

Where: Lexington

When: The fair runs for 11 days in August yearly

What: Horses (of course!), A list musical acts, Parade of Champions, gourmet chef demonstrations.

2. The Great New York State Fair

Where: Syracuse

When: Late August/Early September

What: The oldest state fair averages over 1 million visitors yearly, a NY wine and cheese seminar, rides, music, and celebrity milking competition.

3. State Fair of Texas

Where: Dallas

When: October

What: Texas/Oklahoma football game, crazy foods, rides, music, livestock competitions

4. Iowa State Fair

Where: Des Moines

When: August

What: Life-sized butter cow, agricultural and industrial expositions, "Food on a stick", talent search

5. Minnesota State Fair

Where: St. Paul

When: Late August through Labor Day

What: Live theater arts, River Raft Ride, Butterfly House, laser lights shows, shopping

6. Alaska State Fair

Where: Palmer

When: Mid-August through Labor Day

What:  record-setting giant vegetables, flower gardens, concerts, and Alaskan & Alaska Native culture

7. Washington State Fair

Where: Puyallup

When: September, Spring Fair in April

What: Dinosaur Expedition, hobby hall, photo competitions, floral exhibits

8. Ohio State Fair

Where: Columbus

When: July/August

What: More than 50 rides, hypnotists, magicians, educational displays, sporting competitions, fine arts show, exotic animals petting zoo, a farm animal delivery room, helicopter rides.

9. Oregon State Fair

Where: Salem

When: August through Labor Day

What: Garden and floral exhibits, farmers’ market, monster trucks, rides, games, music

10. North Carolina State Fair

Where: Raleigh

When: October

What: Nightly fireworks, Folk Festival, livestock, agriculture, homegrown music, field of dreams

11-20

11. The Big E (West Springfield, MA)

12. Indiana State Fair (Indianapolis, IN)

13. Missouri State Fair (Sedalia, MO)

14. California State Fair (Sacramento, CA)

15. Illinois State Fair (Springfield, IL)

16. Wisconsin State Fair (West Allis, WI)

17. Colorado State Fair (Pueblo, CO)

18. Georgia State Fair (Hampton, GA)

19. Arizona State Fair (Phoenix, AZ)

20. Oklahoma State Fair (Oklahoma City, OK)

Debbie Nance is the afternoon co-host along with her husband on "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been with the station for 18 years. Debbie is a CMA Award winner for Radio Personality of the Year. And, she has worked in radio for 40 years. Before her current afternoon position, Debbie spent more than a decade as co-host on morning shows in several markets across the Southeast. As a content creator for Country 1037, Debbie writes articles about food, new restaurants in the Carolinas and travel experiences.