Midway operator to return for 2009 State Fair

Raleigh, N.C. — Powers Great American Midways will operate the carnival rides and games at the 2009 North Carolina State Fair, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said Thursday.

Troxler said he and State Fair management chose to offer the contract to Powers based on the company’s performance at the past three State Fairs, as well as the financial benefit to the state. The Pender County-based company will pay the state $5.50 for each person who buys an admission ticket to next year's State Fair, which is the same base rate it paid this year.

State regulations allow the State Fair to enter into a one-year contract with a carnival company without taking bids.

“We’ve got a carnival contract that’s as good as, or better than, any state fair in the country,” Troxler said in a statement.

The contract will again include a provision that allows Powers to lower its payment 20 cents per person by bringing in two rides that are not more than 24 months old and have never played the State Fair before. The company qualified for the discount this year by bringing in several new rides, including the Mind Blaster and Vortex.

The 2009 State Fair will take place Oct. 15-25.