Mountain State Fair offers special days with savings on admission


FLETCHER – Visitors to the N.C. Mountain State Fair can take advantage of special admission and ride promotions on numerous days during the fair, which runs Sept. 5-14 2014 at the WNC Agriculture Center.

“Last year, the Mountain State Fair had record-breaking attendance of 191,596,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We want to see that number grow again this year, and these special promotions will offer enough incentive for everyone to come out and celebrate the best of Western North Carolina.”

Friday Night Frenzy, one of the most popular promotions for high school students, is being offered again this year. For $20, guests will receive gate admission and unlimited rides Fridays from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets will be available for purchase at the WNC Agricultural Center all day Sept. 5 and Sept. 12. The two-part ticket will include one admission ticket that can be used all day and a ride ticket that can be exchanged for an unlimited-ride hand stamp at designated areas on the midway after 9 p.m.

“In the past, fairgoers had to wait until 9 p.m. to purchase a Friday Night Frenzy ticket,” said fair manager Matt Buchanan. “The new system should cut down on the wait time. Now visitors can enjoy the fair during the day, go to their school’s football game in the evening, and come back to the fair for unlimited rides well into the night.”

Drew Exposition, the fair’s carnival provider, also will offer unlimited-ride days on Sept. 8, 9 and 11. On Sept. 8 and 11, all visitors have the option of purchasing a voucher good for unlimited rides throughout the day for $20. On Sept. 9, the unlimited-ride voucher is geared at families with small children. The voucher is available only for children ages 12 and under and costs $20. The cost does not include gate admission.

On Wednesday, Sept. 10, the fair will host its annual Ingles Day. Guests who bring five cans of Laura Lynn brand food to the fair will receive free gate admission. All food collected during the event will benefit the MANNA Food Bank.

In addition to these specials, fair organizers also will offer opportunities for students and seniors to receive free admission to the fair. Students in grades K-12 can receive free gate admission on Friday, Sept. 5, until 6 p.m. Seniors 65 and older can receive free gate admission all day on Friday, Sept. 12.

Advance tickets for the fair are on sale at the WNC Agricultural Center, WNC Farmers Market and area Ingles Stores. More information, including a complete fair schedule, is available at www.mountainfair.org.