WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — In celebration of hosting its 143rd year of festivities, the Carolina Classic Fair is rolling into the second half of its annually scheduled attractions — focused on blending traditional carnival entertainment with innovative attractions.
With becoming a staple throughout Winston-Salem and surrounding communities, first-time visitors and regulars in attendance have become essential in the development of newly established fair traditions.
Take for example, on Thursday night, the second annual Hot Dog Eating Championship resulted in hundreds of individuals coming together to witness an absolutely riveting competition. Coming out victorious, the reigning champion squeaked by through consuming nine hotdogs in a matter of only six minutes.
Ranging from high-flying roller coasters to skating across a newly constructed ice rink, there continues to be an expansion in the selection of entertainment options.
Placing a focus on the promotion of a place where people of all ages can experience first-hand the fair’s unique traditions, Lillian Craven, who currently serves as the Carolina Classic Fair Marketing and Brand Manager, is always looking for ways to stand-out nationally against other competitors.
“We are always assessing and evaluating after each fair and looking to other fairs across the state and nation,” Craven said. “[Our] fair is 143 years old this years… it’s important just bringing everybody together every single year is just so special and important to us.”
Across the fairgrounds, many brave souls are up for the challenge to test their athleticism in classic carnival games such as the infamous ladder climb. On the other hand, the fair’s grandstands are packed to the brim as many contestants of the demolition derby show no mercy and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.
However, from the perspective of the wide variety of both local and national vendors, loyal livestock providers, and even aspiring caricature artists, the economic impact of the Carolina Classic Fair has tremendous value.
“We really value our local vendors. They love being here because they get to meet a lot of new people [and] they get to see a lot of their regulars come to the fair,” Craven said. “The fair [itself] is the fairground’s biggest client so it’s definitely a good money maker for all of our vendors.”
Entering the sixth day of the fair’s annual 10-day event full of festivities, the Carolina Classic Fair staff anticipate that this upcoming weekend will result in the biggest turnouts throughout this entire event.
“As far as I know, we have been on par with attendance numbers from last year and the year before that,” Craven said. “Nothing can beat, you know, that feeling of this 10-days of fair excitement here in Winston-Salem.”
Remaining in full swing throughout this upcoming weekend, the Carolina Classic Fair will continue until Sunday, Oct. 12; offering one final chance for visitors to check out all of the fair’s exciting activities for themselves.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source abc45.com ’
