What we love about the fair...

... and what could make it better

The N.C. State Fair arrived just in time. Yes, it’s always in October, but in this unsteady state the world is in, it’s good to have a ritual, a familiar touchstone that conjures good memories, good times and even a little bit of overindulgence. We need the comfort.

We’re sharing a few of our favorite pleasures of the fair. And then, because even what’s great can be greater, we offer a few suggestions on how to take the fair to the next level.

Because who knows? Next year, we might need the fair and its pleasures even more. To see a full schedule of events, go online to ncstatefair.org/2008.

Rockin’ with Willy & Wanda

No state fair would be complete without happening onto some oddball music or entertainment on the midway. Returning this year are Washboard Willy & Wanda, a junkyard-percussion tandem who specialize in interactive kids’ music. They’ll be out and about on the fairgrounds with “Rocko the Rhythm Rig,” and if you find yourself in their vicinity, you might get drafted into the act (www.washboardwilly.com).

Live on the Web

Like every single other entity on the planet, the State Fair now has its own blog (2008ncstatefair.blogspot.com). The folks in the press office keep the blog nicely populated with news, updates and photos. One series of pictures shows the gradual moving-in and setup of the fair that’s fun to watch. Follow the links to buy tickets or download a PDF of the fairgrounds. It’s better living through HTML.

History ‘n’ biscuits

Take a break from the hustle and bustle and head to Heritage Circle home to the Village of Yesteryear and old-time music on the Bluegrass Stage. The historical aspects of the State Fair can be genuinely fascinating keep in mind the first fair was in 1853. Be sure to catch professional storyteller Sharon Hutto, who spins yarns while fire-cooking biscuits, cornbread and other Southern staples in a 200-year-old “spider pot.”

Take a break with Smokey

On hot fair days, the Forest Service Exhibit is the spot. Cool, shady and somehow always breezy, this whole area is rarely crowded, and there are plenty of places to sit and rest. Check your map, and take the bridge across the pond. Bonus attraction: A giant, talking Smokey Bear.

Calories, schmalories

There’s nothing edible that hot grease can’t improve. New this year: deep-fried mac and cheese and pecan pie. For dessert, we suggest deep-fried cookies, Twinkies, candy bars and Coke. For extra fun, bring along your obnoxiously healthy vegan friends and watch them freak directly out.

Pumping up the pig races

From the goofy hats to the NASCAR-themed names to the hokey track announcer, pig racin’ is all good. But by the end of the day, those pigs, especially the potbellied variety, are dragging. So here’s a suggestion to beef up the pig racing: Instead of trotting out goats, for example, how about giving the fans what they really want: speed. Imagine the fun of ... cheetah racing.

Maybe the DOT could do a study?

It’s tradition to complain about parking at the State Fair. If they’ve been doing this for 150 years, why does every year seem like their first crack at it? One suggestion: Figure out a way to keep through-traffic off the perimeter streets around the fairgrounds: Hillsborough, Blue Ridge and Trinity. Keep the streets for pedestrians and remote lot shuttles only.

Smash-em-up on steroids

Who among us doesn’t enjoy a good-ol’ fashioned state fair demolition derby? It’s the smell of gasoline mixed with the sound of crunching metal, topped off with access to the world’s largest concession stand. Still, replacing the old Novas and Impalas with monster trucks could improve the action.

I’m still 29, so, ‘Shush!’

You know those obnoxious carnival barkers who are dying to guess your weight? We need to take the microphones from those people. Sure, the state fair is a loud, boisterous place, but all that yelling when the grand prize is a 10-cent inflatable SpongeBob is unnecessary. (We know we sound like your grandmother, but we speak the truth).

Musical staying power

If staying put worked for Celine Dion in Las Vegas, why not try it in Raleigh? Instead of having performers rotate through Dorton Arena this year’s musical guests include Bucky Covington and Montgomery Gentry let’s turn over our cow palace to a single act for the run of the fair. We’re thinking Neil Diamond. One night he could do his rhinestone-aided ’70s pop thing, the next: his somber, acoustic-guitar thing. Sweet Caroline-a, indeed.