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WINSTON-SALEM — The Carolina Classic Fair — North Carolina’s second-largest agricultural fair — will occur in Winston-Salem from Sept. 29 through Oct. 8. The Carolina Classic Fair is offering advance discounts for entry tickets and rides and has announced special promotional days.

“Our biggest and best savings are now available and include significant discounts on both admission tickets and ride wristband vouchers,” Carolina Classic Fair Director Cheryle Hartley said. “Act soon to make sure your family and friends will save money, avoid lines onsite and have a Magic in the Fair good time.

“We have a blockbuster lineup of promotional days this year, including the Centennial of Smiles 100 minutes of free rides beginning at 3 p.m. on Sept. 29 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Strates Shows.”

Carolina Classic Fair tickets and ride wristbands are available online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the fairground’s box office. 

New for 2023 are advance sale, all-inclusive entry and unlimited ride wristbands that offer a more than 37 percent discount. All-inclusive weekday wristbands are $30, and weekend all-inclusive wristbands are $40.

Advance discounted entry tickets offer up to 33 percent savings and are $8 for adults (12 to 64) and $3 for children ages six to 11. Children five and under and senior adults (65+) are admitted to the Carolina Classic Fair for free. IDs are required. 

Early bird admission before 4 p.m. Monday through Friday is $5 for adults. Advance parking is also available for $10.

Advance entry tickets, all-inclusive wristbands and parking are available from Ticketmaster or at the Fairgrounds Box Office at 414 Deacon Boulevard in Winston-Salem. 

Advance ticket sales at the box office end on Friday, Sept. 29 at 8 p.m. Entry tickets purchased online are subject to a $.80 per ticket fee, and wristbands purchased online are subject to a $1 per wristband fee.

Day of tickets are $10 entry for adults 12 to 64 and $5 for children 6 to 11. There also is a $2 surcharge for tickets purchased at the gate. Unlimited ride wristbands purchased the day of are $35 for Monday through Friday and $40 for Saturdays and Sundays.

The Carolina Classic Fair will offer special promotional days throughout the fair:

• Friday, Sept. 29 — 107.$5 Opening Day (107.5WKZL)
  • Ticket special: $5 Admission
  • Ride feature: *Centennial of Smiles* Celebrate Strates Shows 100th anniversary with 100 minutes of free rides starting at 3 p.m.
• Monday, Oct. — 2 School Day presented by Deer Park Spring Water, powered by iHeartMedia
  • Ticket special: Bring three school supplies and receive free admission (all supplies will be contributed to Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools)
  • Special features: School performances, free carousel rides, free popcorn in the Agriculture Building until 2 p.m. and more
  • Ride Feature: $20 for 10 rides
• Tuesday, Oct. 3 — Senior Day/ $2 Tuesday (iHeartMedia)
  • Ticket feature: $2 admission
  • Ride feature: All rides $2
  • Food features: $2 food specials
• Wednesday, Oct. 4 — Special Ed Day/Can Food Day with Crisis Control Ministry, Pinnacle, Honda of Winston-Salem
  • Ticket feature: Free admission with five nonperishable food items to benefit Crisis Control Ministry
  • Free admission for persons with disabilities and their aides
• Thursday, Oct. 5 — Military Day/College Day/Night/Thirsty Thursday (WXII, 1075KZL & Rock 92)
  • Ticket special: Free admission for military (with ID) and their immediate family
  • $5 admission for college students (with ID)
  • Ride feature: $20 for 10 rides
• Friday, Oct. 6 — Family Fun Day (Audacy)
  • Ticket special: Kids 11 and under are free until 6 p.m.  
  • Ride feature: Kiddie rides $20 wristbands, noon to 7 p.m. (children seven and under)