Hurricane Michael: NC State Fair Opening Delayed A Day

RALEIGH, NC — The North Carolina State Fair, originally slated to open its gates Thursday, is delaying its opening by one day as the state continues to brace for Hurricane Michael. The decision comes as Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency in North Carolina Wednesday afternoon ahead of the monster storm, which is expected to deliver high winds and torrential rain to the state.

“We did not come to this decision lightly. In fact, to our knowledge, we’ve never delayed our opening day due to weather conditions,” fair officials said in a press release Wednesday. “Most importantly, we must consider our vendors, exhibitors and of course fairgoers in any decision made about gate closures.”

According to the National Weather Service, Michael is expected to track northeastward across Georgia, with its center passing near Raleigh by Thursday evening.

The State Fair will now open at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 12. Advance tickets will be on sale through Thursday, Oct. 11.

SEE ALSO: NC State Fair 2018: New Food On The Menu, How To Get Tickets

How To Buy Tickets
The North Carolina State Fair runs Oct. 12 through Oct. 21. Fair visitors can buy tickets online or at the gate. Online, adult tickets are $8, and children ages 6-12 are $3. Seniors are free. At the gate, adult tickets are $10 and children are $5.

The NC State Fairgrounds are at 1025 Blue Ridge Road in Raleigh. You can find a daily schedule of events here.

SEE ALSO:

• Hurricane Michael: NC Waits As ‘Monstrous’ Storm Slams Florida
• ‘Hurricane Weary’ North Carolina Bracing For Michael's Rain
• Governor Declares State Of Emergency For NC Ahead Of Hurricane

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Photo by Kimberly Johnson/ Patch