Fair Destination: Casey's Clubhouse

The N.C. State Fair introduced a new mascot last year - Casey, the Cardinal. The big red guy, sporting a State Fair T-shirt, roamed the fair, high fiving kids and posing for pictures.

This year, there will be more formal opportunities - at least by fair standards - to meet up with Casey. You'll still find him out and about across the fairgrounds, of course. But visitors also can find him at special times at his new Clubhouse, which sits in Kiddieland right next to the Kiddieland Stage and not far from the Field of Dreams exhibit (another popular and free spot for kids).

Casey's schedule at the Clubhouse varies a little bit throughout the run of the fair. When you go, check the daily schedule to find out when he'll be there.

On Friday, he'll be at the Clubhouse at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, he'll be there at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Visits with Casey at the Clubhouse are free. Visitors also can pick up a baseball card or mask while they are there.

Kids also can zoom down the Big Slide in Kiddieland with Casey each day. Casey's Big Slide is 1 p.m., daily, for the run of the fair. Kids who slide with Casey will take home a ribbon to mark the experience.

The fair runs through Oct. 23.