September 23, 2002
Raleigh City Museum Opens New Exhibit on the History of the N. C. State Fair

RALEIGH, N.C. (September 23, 2002) -- The Raleigh City Museum will open a new exhibit entitled "State Fair!" on Saturday, October 5 at 1 p.m. in the museum's Main Gallery at 220 Fayetteville Street Mall in downtown Raleigh. The grand opening is free and open to the general public. The exhibit will remain on view until March 3, 2003.

Using historical photographs, fair artifacts and interpretive text panels, this exhibit tells the story of our state's biggest celebration held each October in Raleigh. No single annual event brings more North Carolinians to the capital city than the North Carolina State Fair. Started as an agricultural exposition in 1853, the fair has grown in size and scope over its nearly 150 year history. While it still serves to showcase our state’s agricultural products and industries, the fair has also become a major entertainment experience for fairgoers.

In its early years the State Fair focused mainly on agriculture, industry and livestock offerings. It also provided a venue for North Carolina’s various communities to parade their attributes and show local pride. Over the years the fair has become a major social occasion, and with the introduction of the midway -- an avenue of carnival sideshows and amusement rides -- in the late 19th century it remains today the predominant recreational event in the lives of thousands of North Carolinians who throng to Raleigh each October for its fun and games.

The Raleigh City Museum is a private non-profit museum and educational center that utilizes exhibits, lectures and programs to help residents and visitors learn about the diverse aspects of the city’s people, places and events. Located in the historic Briggs Building in downtown Raleigh, it is open to the general public Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the museum is free.

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