N.C. State's vet school open house returns

N.C. State's College of Veterinary Medicine's annual open house returns this month and it's bigger than ever.

This very popular event, drawing as many as 11,000 people in one day, was last held in 2007. For many families, the open house was an annual tradition, but construction put the family-friendly event on hiatus until this year.

The open house provides a glimpse into one of the country's top-ranked veterinary programs. It also offers all kinds of fun for kids of all ages, from a Teddy Bear Suture Clinic where kids are encouraged to bring their injured stuffed animals for care to information for teens and undergraduate students interested in a career in veterinary medicine.

The free event is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, at the college on 4700 Hillsborough St. near the N.C. State Fairgrounds.

David Green, with the college, tells me that, compared to past years, there are more tour stops and groups participating this year thanks to the opening of the 111,000-square-foot Randall B. Terry Jr. Companion Animal Veterinary Medical Center and a new crop of students who are planning the event. Visitors will be able to tour portions of the Terry Center during the open house.

"We hope it's going to be even better because it certainly has expanded," Green tells me.

If you'll be going with younger kids, here are some stops you'll want to see:

The day, part of N.C. State's celebration of its 125th anniversary, also includes demonstrations by Sage, a canine hero from 9/11, Hurricane Katrina and IRAQ; booths staffed by 19 breed and shelter rescue groups; and more.

Food and drink will be available for purchase.

Parking for the open house is available on the College of Veterinary Medicine's Centennial Biomedical Campus and at a designated area of the N.C. State Fairgrounds at the corner of Blue Ridge and Trinity roads. There will be a shuttle bus for those parking at the fairgrounds.