Over the past few years, rain has been an unwelcome part of the Lenoir County Agricultural Fair.
As today kicks off the 58th annual event, though, stormy weather is not in the forecast this week.
“There will be a very little chance of rain until late Sunday,” WCTI-12 meteorologist Les Still said. “Temperatures will be seasonally cool during the week and are around 83 degrees this time of year. We’ll be in the upper 70s Tuesday and Wednesday and be in the mid-80s starting Thursday.
“There will be a chance of a storm Sunday, but overall, this is one of the nicest stretches we’ve had in quite some time.”
Booth chairman Burle Pate said there will be precautionary adjustments in case the weather becomes inclement.
“We’ve had plenty of rain in the past, but I believe we’ll have a good week,” Pate said. “We’ll still be open for business as usual. We’ve put a top over the entertainment stage so nothing will be bothered. Of course, we don’t want bad weather, but we’ll be ready for it if comes.”
Ride coordinator Mark Philgreen worked through an early morning Monday rain, setting up some of the rides, but feels optimistic about the weather for this week’s fair.
“The only chance of rain (was Monday) and the rest of the week will be perfect,” he said. “All it’s doing is settling the dust and we’ll have the rides set up for (today). It’s been at least three years since we’ve had a perfect week like this one should be.”
Rain hasn’t dampened the spirits of fairgoers over the past few years, though. Brian Hussey, Director of Motorsports for the fair, saw about 17,000 people attend the fair last year.
“We had over 9,000 on Saturday night alone,” Hussey said. “We had some rain, but did really good last year. The people come for the fair, food and entertainment. This year, we’ve got a demolition derby, extreme dirt track racing and a $2,500 pro motocross shootout. There are a lot of reasons for folk to come out. This is a one week a year thing.”
Hussey said clearer skies and new attractions will equal a larger attendance.
“The fair will be even busier than last year with all of the rides,” Hussey said. “We had to make space so everything won’t be cramped. Even with the rain, we won Most Improved Fair in the State by the board last year.
“It’s shaping up to be a real beautiful week with the temperatures in the mid-60s at night and mid-80s in the day. It’s perfect fair weather.”
For Kinston High School sophomore Joel Dixon, the nice weather would be an additional bonus. Dixon, who helped the 4-H with its livestock setup, said even if it rained, it wouldn’t alter his excitement for the fair.
“It wouldn’t affect me, but that’s with any youth,” Dixon said. “Most of us just want to go out there and have fun, and nothing stops fun.”
The gate will open at 5 p.m. today through Friday, noon on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for children 10 and under and free for children 2 and under.
There will be discounts for school-aged children and senior citizens on Wednesday and Thursday. From 5-7 p.m. on those days, children between the ages of 6-18 will be admitted for $1 less and everyone 62 years and older will get in free.
Unlimited ride wristbands will be available for $15 each day. With the exception of Saturday, the wristbands will be good for the entire day. On Saturday, there will be wristbands for rides between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m., but a second one must be purchased for the evening session from 4 p.m. to closing.
Junious Smith III can be reached at 252-559-1077 and Junious.Smith@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JuniousSmithIII.
Fair activities and bands
Today: 27th Annual Cheerleading Competition, David Thompson Band, Fireworks
Wednesday: Second Helping
Thursday: Spare Change
Friday: Southern ATVA Extreme Dirt Track Racing series
Saturday: Demolition Derby, Coastal Carolina MX Racing, Diaper Derby, Dani Raye, Fireworks
Sunday: Demolition Derby
Daily shows: Almost Amazing Rex and Dana, Nick’s Kids Show, Pirates of the Columbian Caribbean