NC State Fair encourages vaccinations, will not require them

"We are in the two-week window where you can receive a two-dose vaccine and be fully vaccinated before we open our gates on Oct. 14," a Facebook post from the fair said.

At this time, the N.C. State fair will not require proof of vaccination to attend the fair, officials said on Facebook.

"It is too early to have an answer on anything COVID-19 related at 43 days out," a Facebook comment from the N.C. State Fair said. "We just encourage everyone to go out and get their shot so we can bring the numbers of those suffering with this virus down."

It's unclear exactly what COVID-19 precautions will be in place at the N.C. State Fair in October. Wake County, where the fairgrounds are located, requires that all people wear masks inside public and private spaces.

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The state fair was canceled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Hospitalizations and average deaths reported daily are close to the number North Carolina saw during the winter COVID-19 peak. Just about 14% of all tests reported to the state recently have come back positive.

Over the past decade, the fair has drawn just about 1 million visitors annually over the course of its 10-day run.

Adult admission is $10 if purchased before the fair opens; $13 if purchased at the gate. Tickets for those ages 6 to 12 and over 65 are $5. Children 5 and under are admitted free.