Take a trip to the Forestry Exhibit at the N.C. State Fair
What do helicopters, Bambi and fire plows have in common? They’re all part of the revamped forestry exhibit at the N.C. State Fair. Visitors entering through Gate 8 will probably notice the bright yellow helicopter in the middle of the lake. The location, formally the site of the fireworks launchpad, is now the landing pad for a variety of forestry vehicles and equipment. Kids can see what it’s like inside the cockpit of a decommissioned helicopter, see a Bambi Bucket that can pick up nearly 240 gallons of water and get an up-close look at a giant, bulldozer-looking vehicle called a fire plow.
While you’re there, pick up a free tree seedling to take home and plant, visit with Smokey Bear, tour the Soil and Water Conservation exhibit and see an old-fashioned sawmill run by a steam engine. Cross the bridge at the bottom of Heritage Circle and enjoy all the exhibits.