More than 500,000 people passed through gates at the fair as of Tuesday putting it about 29,000 people behind last year at this time, according to totals released Thursday.

During the North Carolina State Fair, an emergency management command center has been set up to keep track of developing weather with hourly updates from the National Weather Service, live radar maps and a device that warns of nearby lightning.

When the State Fair folks chose "Love a Fair" as the theme of this year's festival, they weren't kidding.

The Marbles Kids Museum and UNC-TV Kids Way tent next to Dorton Arena offers some low-key, fun and educational activities at the fair. Best of all, it's free.

Wondering how to afford a trip to the State Fair without having to take out a loan? It can be done! Here are tips to save you some dough so you can enjoy more dough (the fried kind with powdered sugar, of course)! Please share your money-saving ideas as well.

I'm not sure exactly what it is about the State Fair that captures a child's imagination so vividly. But I know that when the fair comes to town, there's no doubt that we're going.

Economic worries are a familiar refrain in North Carolina where the official unemployment rate hovers around 10 percent, but thousands of people were able to put aside those concerns and pack the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh over the weekend.

The North Carolina State Fair can be enjoyed at any age, but it's something really special when viewed through the eyes of a child.

Before the annual North Carolina State Fair kicked off Thursday afternoon, state officials and local law enforcement conducted a thorough inspection of the fairgrounds and declared everything good to go.

Started in 1853 as a showcase for North Carolina agriculture, arts and crafts, the fair has also become a yearly destination for hundreds of thousands of people looking to play games and enjoy eyebrow-raising food, like deep-fried brownies and chicken pot pies.

WRAL anchor Jackie Hyland got her first taste of the North Carolina State Fair Tuesday as she and senior promotion producer Jay Yovanovich shot a promo, showing what Jackie will be doing at the fair this year.

Which rides can tots ride for free? When is the best time to go to beat the crowds? Is there anything new for kids this year? Find your answers here.

The North Carolina State Fair opens Thursday.

With the N.C. State Fair kicking off Thursday, event organizers are encouraging fairgoers to use one of several alternative transportation options to help ease traffic congestion and parking problems near the fairgrounds.

Crews and vendors were setting up tents and booths at the state fairgrounds in Raleigh Monday, 10 days ahead of the 2011 North Carolina State Fair, and organizers say there's plenty of new food, fun and savings to look forward to this year.

Individuals interested in working at this year's North Carolina State Fair can apply for a number of jobs through the Employment Security Commission, the commission said Monday.

Current & former military can enjoy a new daily discount to the State Fair this year! Read on for all the details....

Time to start planning your trip to the fair. Tickets, which are discounted, go on sale in a week.

They have been a fixture at the North Carolina State Fair for 30 years, but beginning this fall, Raleigh police officers will no longer be doing double duty protecting fairgoers.

"American Idol" finalist Kellie Pickler is among the performers for this year's North Carolina State Fair.

The North Carolina State Fair on Sunday afternoon welcomed its 1 millionth visitor this year - the first time it has reached that number in its 150-year history.

Heading to the State Fair with the kids? Check this before you go.

As people make preparations to attend the N.C. State Fair, Oct. 14-24, fair officials reminding them about the alternatives to driving and parking at the fairgrounds.