State Fair tickets go on sale Aug. 1

Tickets to the 2008 N.C. State Fair will be available for purchase earlier than ever through the fair Web site at www.ncstatefair.org beginning Aug. 1.

State Fair Manager Wesley Wyatt hopes the effort will allow families on tight budgets to plan their trip to the fair.

Admission, ride, grandstand and Dorton Arena entertainment tickets will all be available for online purchase.

"While we feel the State Fair provides one of the best entertainment values in the state, we understand that wallets are stretched a little more than usual now. By offering early ticket sales, families can make plans and purchases throughout the next three months if necessary," Wyatt said.

Online purchasers will get a discount of $2 per adult admission ticket and $8 per ride sheet.

Tickets go on sale at the N.C. State Fairgrounds box office and other area locations on Oct. 2. The fair runs Oct. 16-26.