Pat Short and Firecracker on a tractor

With so many fairs and festivals under our collective belts, we have to challenge ourselves to find something new or different each year. One of the big highlights each day at the Got to Be NC Festival is the tractor parade. For several years now, I’ve said that I wanted to learn to drive one. So this year, I asked Pat Short, who oversees the tractor display at the Got to Be NC Festival, to teach me.

Not only did Pat teach me to drive a tractor, he offered up his 1952 John Deere MT to drive in the parade. It was pretty easy, although shifting gears is not quite as smooth as the straight-shift car I used to own. But I guess that is to be expected for a 61-year-old piece of equipment. Pat was awfully trusting in letting me take his tractor for a spin, although he did drive behind me in case I needed any help. But I managed to make it through the parade without incident. And the good news is that I did get an offer from a farmer to go work in the fields next week if I wanted a change of career. So I have a new backup plan.

More than 400,000 books are for sale in the Graham Building at the Wake County Library Book Sale.

The Wake County Library’s annual Book Sale and Festival of Reading opened Thursday in the Graham Building and prices keep getting better throughout the weekend. But don’t fret if you didn’t make it there the first day. With more than 400,000 books, there are still plenty of bestsellers left on the table. The books are in good condition. Some are pulled out of circulation, and others come from donations if library locations already have duplicate copies. Cash, checks and all major credit cards accepted.
Admission is free.
Hours and prices:

• Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. – hardbound books $4; paperbacks and children’s materials, $1
• Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. – hardbound books $2; paperbacks and children’s materials, $1
• Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – bag of books, $2; Box of books, $5 (Customers can bring wagons/carts)

The Scott Building will host the Sportscard and Sports Memorabilia 3-Day Show with more than 80 exhibitors buying, selling and trading vintage to new sportscards and memorabilia. Show hours are Friday 2 to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult admission is $5 daily or purchase a weekend pass for $7. Admission is free for children ages 15 and under.

The N.C. Plantation Pleasure Walking Horse Tarheel Classic Horse Show runs Friday and Saturday in the Horse Complex. Free spectator admission.

The Holshouser Building is going to the dogs on Saturday and Sunday. The Mid Atlantic Hound Association Dog Show features hound breeds, American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen testing, dog show tours, Coonhound Bench Show and more. Admission is free.

The Original Coin & Currency Show will be in the Martin Building Saturday and Sunday. The show offers a variety of numismatic items including rare coins, precious metals, paper money, tokens, coin collecting books and supplies. Bring your coins and currency to be appraised or bought. Admission is free. Hours are Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Double L Bar Cowboy Mounted Shooters will take over the Hunt Horse Complex on Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m.

On Saturday and Sunday, the Hunt Horse Complex will also host the Triangle Wide Horseman’s Association Show with Western, hunt seat and saddle seat classes, plus a versatility class Saturday night. Activities begin at 8 a.m. daily. Spectator admission is free.

Dorton Arena will be filled with the sounds of the Young Champions Karate & Cheer State Competitions all day Saturday. The cheer competition will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The karate competition begins at 3 p.m. Spectator admission is free.

The third N.C. Persian Festival will be in the Scott Building on Saturday. Organizers invite you to join them for a celebration of Persian culture and cuisine sponsored by Iranian Culture Society of N.C. The event features Persian dance performances, live music, art, food, cultural exhibits and displays, handicrafts, silent auction and vendor exhibits for the entire family to enjoy. The event is from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is $5 for ages 12 and up, $3 for ages 6 to 12; and children 6 and under are admitted free.

Also on Saturday, there will be a Toy Train Sale and Swap Meet in the Holshouser Building with more than 100 vendors featuring a variety of trains, accessories, track, switches and hard-to-find parts. There will also be hands-on layouts and train races for the children and some on-site repairs. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. General admission is $6 for adults, free for children under age 13 accompanied by paying adult.

The Graham Building hosts the Dixie Gun & Knife Classic on Saturday and Sunday, featuring modern and collectible firearms, custom-made knives, hunting and fishing equipment, ammo, gun accessories, reloading supplies and more. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $8 for adults and children under 12 are free with paying adult.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:

• May 9-12 – Wake County Book Sale
• May 17-19 – Got to Be NC Festival

The Southern Women's Show features makeovers and more. (Photo courtesy the Southern Women's Show)

The Southern Women’s Show takes over the Graham and Expo buildings Friday through Sunday, featuring vendors offering spa treatments and makeovers, clothes, jewelry and gifts, gourmet food and wine, travel ideas, beauty tips, health screenings, cooking classes, fashion shows and more. Hours are Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door for adults or $5 for children ages 6 to 12.  A $5 return ticket can be purchased at the show office and used with original ticket stub for return visit to the show.

On Friday night, Motown visits Dorton Arena to benefit the Raleigh Professional Firefighters Association. The Spinners will perform their classic hits, along with the East Coast Rythmn & Blues Band. Legendary DJ Steve Hardy will emcee this annual fundraiser. General admission is $26. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert will begin at 8.

The Knight Southeastern Doll & Bear Show will take place Saturday in the Scott Building. Dealers from five states will feature antique and modern dolls and bears of all types and styles, doll furniture, accessories and related items, artist bears, supplies and doll repair services. Show hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults and free for children under age 12 and Girl Scouts in uniform.

The Easter Bunny Quarter Horse Circuit Horse Show takes place through Sunday at the Hunt Horse Complex. This American Quarter Horse show, features an exhibitors party and Queen’s Contest. Shows begin daily at 8 a.m. Free admission.

The Raleigh Flea Market is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, featuring hundreds of dealers, craftsmen and booths.

Through Sunday outside of Gate 10, you’ll find what Cole Brothers Circus claims to be the “World’s Largest Circus Under The Big Top!” This circus has all of the traditional circus elements, including tigers, elephants, comedy dogs, clowns, showgirls, acrobats, high wire acts, Globe of Death and the human cannonball. Show times are Friday at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Admission is $21 for adults and $6 for children in general admission, $25 for adults and $20 for children in rows 6 to 14 or $27 for adults and $22 for children in the first five rows. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. each day.

The Carolina Rollergirls bring back the fierce competition of flat-track roller derby to Dorton Arena Saturday night with a double-header against the Appalachian Rollergirls and the Greenville Derby Dames. Doors open at 2 p.m., with the first bout starting at 3 p.m. Game 2 begins at 5 p.m. with the Carolina All-Stars facing off with the South Carolina-based Derby Dames. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students, seniors 65 and over or military with ID, $5 children, and free for ages 6 and under (2 per adult admitted free).

On Saturday night, the Holshouser Building will host Drag Bingo to benefit the Alliance of AIDS Services-Carolina. Tickets are $25. Doors open at 5 p.m., games begin at 7 p.m.

The North Central Open Benefit Show takes place Saturday and Sunday to benefit the Equestrian Western Club at N.C. State University and the North Central District 4-H Horse Program. Spectator admission is free.

Brides and grooms will converge on the Jim Graham Building Sunday for the Southern Bridal Show and Expo. The expo features more than 150 Triangle wedding experts and the latest trends in bridal wear and tuxedos. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $10 per person at the door (cash only) or $8 for advance purchase.

There’s a diverse lineup of events at the fairgrounds this weekend.

The Chatlee Boat Show & Sale kicked off on Thursday in the Scott Building, featuring a large selection of saltwater, skiffs, ski & deck boards. The show is open noon to 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free.

The N.C. Diocese Ignited by Truth Conference  is being held in the Graham Building Friday and Saturday. Dynamic Catholic speakers will offer two days of spiritual insight and inspiration for people of all faith traditions, with subjects ranging from sacred scripture to spiritual combat. The Friday evening workshop is for people considering the Catholic Church. The event begins with live music and will feature two speakers. Spanish sessions will also be offered. Saturday is a full day of presentations, including sessions for students and ending with a Vigil Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Diocese of Raleigh. Other offerings include Confession, Eucharistic Adoration, and a Vendor and Ministry Fair. Conference hours are Friday, 6  to 10 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free on Friday evening. Saturday’s program is $45 for adults or $25 for students ages 10 and up, and includes lunch.

Dorton Arena hosts the Pan Afrikan Comedy Show on Friday at 7:30 p.m. featuring Corwin C Dawg Ogsley, Rob Stapleton and Corey Holcomb. Admission is $5 for students, $10 for NCSU faculty and staff and $15 for general admission. On Saturday, the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the NCSU BSB present the Pan Afrikan Step Show at 7 p.m. The show will feature competitive performances from various Greek organizations within NPHC and showcase other student groups such as a capella groups between step groups. Admission is $20 at the door.

The Flower Show area (inside Gate 6) will be the place to find a wide variety of plants Friday through Sunday.  The Gardeners of Wake County Azalea Sale features 148 varieties and 4,000 plants – your only opportunity to choose from this many varieties. Also available are camellias, roses, flowering plants and other plants for sale. Gardeners of Wake County profits fund scholarships for the NCSU Department of Horticulture Science and other projects. The Raleigh Garden Club will offer a wide variety of herbs and perennials for sun and shade that thrive in the Triangle. Camellias and rhododendrons are being offered by the Wake County 4H Club, and the Pilot Club of Wake County will be selling geraniums to raise money for their charitable work. Hours are Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.

The Raleigh Invitational Horse Show is at the Hunt Horse Complex all weekend. This American Saddlebred and Morgan horse show features the Equine Roadster Cup and the Equine Pony Cup and is a qualifier for the World Championship Horse Show. Free spectator admission. Sessions start Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., and Sunday at 9 a.m.

The Pipe and Tobacciana Expo will be held in the Martin Building on Saturday. This expo includes distributors, collectors and pipe clubs. A selection of smoking pipes, pipe racks, humidors and accessories will be available, as well as custom-blended tobaccos from around the world, pipe makers and pipe trading. Event hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $3; free admission coupons can be found in The News & Observer or N.C. State Technician.

The Raleigh Flea Market is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, featuring hundreds of dealers, craftsmen and booths.

The NCHJA “C” Hunter Jumper Horse Show is Friday and Saturday, beginning at 8 a.m. both days. Admission is free.

The 41st Annual Raleigh Hamfest takes place Saturday in the Graham Building from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This is a huge electronic flea market for new & used amateur radio equipment, plus forums, construction projects and other special events. The Amateur Radio License Examinations start at 9 a.m. Advance tickets are $7 in advance or $8 at the door.

The Sportscard and Sports Memorabilia Show will feature nearly 75 exhibitors selling sportscards and collectibles on nearly 160 tables. The event takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, free for children under 15.

Celebrate Easter in Dorton Arena with Calvary Chapel Cary. Doors open for the Easter worship service at 9:15 a.m. Service begins at 10 a.m. and concludes at noon. Free admission and open to all.

The Raleigh Flea Market is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, featuring hundreds of dealers, craftsmen and booths.

The Graham Building is going to the dogs for an AKC dog show. Registered dogs will compete in ongoing championship shows, obedience and rally trials through Sunday. Friday’s show is hosted by the Durham Kennel Club, the Raleigh Kennel Club hosts on Saturday and Fayetteville Kennel Club hosts Sunday. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and admission is $5 for adults, $2 for senior citizens and children ages 7-12 , free for children under 7.

The Raleigh Spring Premier Benefit features classes for American Saddlebred horses, roadster horses and ponies, hackney ponies, Southeast riders and a full Morgan division on Friday and Saturday. There is an additional division for beginning riders who participate in the academy Saturday afternoon. Event times are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is free for spectators.

The Triangle Mothers of Twins and Triplets Children’s Spring Clothing and Baby Equipment Sale offers gently used baby and children’s clothing, toys and equipment at greatly reduced prices. The sale is in the Scott Building Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The sale is cash only. Credit cards will be accepted for purchases of $50 or more.

On Saturday and Sunday, Dorton Arena hosts India Fest – A Cultural Arts Showcase. Attendees can discover Indian culture through dance, music, cultural cuisine and traditional crafts in a Bazaar-style atmosphere. With more than 1,200 performers, this is the largest event of its type in the United States.  There is a special concert Saturday night featuring Bollywood singers Jeffrey Iqbal and Darshana Menon of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa fame. On Sunday, a professional dance group will present a jaw dropping dance performance to closeout the festival. Admission is $5 daily, except after 5 p.m. on Saturday, admission will be $10. Admission is free for children ages 5 and under. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

The All About Autism Expo takes place in the Expo Center Saturday and Sunday. This event is for parents, grandparents, caregivers, extended family, clinicians, therapists, educators, nutritionists and nurses to meet organizations that offer services and receive information by a vast variety of speakers on important topics. Top private schools from the across the Triangle will be represented. The event offers a special PlayZone and on-site childcare services. The expo takes place Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $20 per person and is cash only.

The Raleigh Flea Market is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, featuring hundreds of dealers, craftsmen and booths.

We introduced the 2013 Fair theme last Friday afternoon. The State Fair office staff and grounds crew performed a crazed edition of the Harlem Shake. We figured this video was the perfect way to be somewhat relevant and also to portray the craziness that is the N.C. State Fair.

The great thing about the fair is that it draws people of all walks of life and from all over North Carolina. For 11 days, we’re one big melting pot for the state. Or as our theme puts it, we’re North Carolina’s homecoming.

We love the imagery of the theme. Anyone who has grown up in the South likely knows what a homecoming is. It’s not just a Friday night football game and tailgate. It’s a humongous potluck after church where people travel from long distances to come back and fellowship and enjoy each other’s company. And that’s what the fair is to us. A big family reunion. With lots of food and lots of fellowship. And seeing people we don’t see but once a year. But they are family. You are our family.

And we welcome you to join us Oct. 17-27, 2013, for North Carolina’s Homecoming. What do you think? What makes the State Fair North Carolina’s homecoming?