NC State Fair Closes After 11 Days
The North Carolina State Fair wrapped up its 11-day run on Sunday, with fairgoers enjoying their last chances for midway rides and popular food stands before the gates closed for another year.
Thousands of people visited the fairgrounds in Raleigh on Sunday, taking in the sights and sounds before the event concluded.
Vendor Reflections
Vendors, like Bobby and Dawn Sharpe, who travel from Broadway, North Carolina, to sell their popcorn, shared their positive experiences at the fair. They praised the supportive atmosphere and the opportunity to learn from operating in a high-traffic event.
Fair director Kent Yelverton noted the significant customer reach for vendors, with almost a million people visiting the fair. However, some familiar vendors were absent this year due to a recent change in rules.
In the spring, fair officials implemented a 15% license fee on food and beverage vendors based on gross sales. While this fee aligns with those in neighboring states, it's unclear if it influenced vendors' decisions not to return.
Attendance for the first 10 days was approximately 818,000, and Sunday's figures were not yet available.