Opening day for a new fair in the Wilmington area is just days away.
The first ever Brunswick County Agricultural Fair and Expo will be held at 2030 Ash Little River Road NW in Ash from Oct. 15-19.
After four years of waiting for the Cape Fear Fair and Expo to return, the Brunswick County Agricultural Fair and Expo has stepped up as the area’s next family fun fair. Like a true county fair, the five-day event will bring amusement park rides, livestock shows and entertainment acts.
Fair Operations Manager Kyle Bridgers said the fairground will have around 30 rides, 14 carnival games, nearly 15 food vendors and much more.
Here are six things to know about the anticipated event.
Kids and parents enjoy the Rockin’ Tug ride during Preschool Day as children 0-5 years had the chance to enjoy the Cape Fear Fair & Expo Wednesday morning Nov. 1, 2017. The fair provided the kids with a drink, snack, age-appropriate rides and entertainment, all for just $6.
Sensory hours
On Friday, Oct. 17, the fair will offer a sensory-friendly time for individuals sensitive to noises, smells, sounds and colors, who may feel too overwhelmed during normal fair operating hours.
From 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, the fair will operate six or seven rides, Bridgers said.
Entry fee and ticket prices
Fair entry is $7 per person and ride passes are an additional $25. However, discounted rates for advanced ticket sales are available online.
“I tried to make this event as affordable as possible,” Bridgers said.
On Sunday, Oct. 19, fair-goers can pay $50 for admission and unlimited ride wristbands for up to eight “legally seat-belted” passengers in a car.
The first Brunswick County Agricultural Fair and Expo will take place on approximately 45 acres at Stump Hill Farms in Ash.
Parking and entry for people 36-inches-tall and under are free. Fair entry stops at 10 p.m.
Rides galore
Dreamland Amusements will provide all rides, games and concessions stands for the event, Bridgers said. The Brunswick fair will feature a Ferris wheel, Bridgers said.
A new Zeus ride will be featured at the Brunswick fair, per the fair website. This year is the first year the company has offered the sideways spinning ride, the website states.
Live entertainment each day
Live entertainment will be going on every day, all day. Entertainment will include music from local musicians and bands, a pirate-themed hire wire act and shows from Bob Bohm’s Family Entertainment.
Bob Bohm’s Family Entertainment will host three different shows: a “FARMily Feud” educational program, comedy magic show and a survivor family game show.
The Brunswick County Agricultural Fair and Expo will feature a Ferris wheel from Dreamland Amusements.
Livestock shows
A livestock exhibit and multiple agricultural contests and shows will also be on the fairgrounds. Cattle, swine, goats, sheep, horses, donkeys, poultry, rabbits and ducks can be seen at the livestock exhibit.
Public agricultural shows include a chicken showing/contest at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16, and a goat showing/contest on Friday, Oct. 17, at 6:30 p.m.
Students in the Brunswick County 4-H Youth Development Program will be educating the public during the fair and participating in a 4-H only Dairy Heifer show on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 11 a.m.
There is no petting zoo, Bridgers said.
Antique tractor show
Patrons will also see an antique tractor show.
STAY CONNECTED: Keep up with the area’s latest Brunswick County news by signing up for the Brunswick Today newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram.
Savanna Tenenoff covers Brunswick County for the StarNews. Reach her at stenenoff@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: What to know about the Brunswick County, NC, Agricultural Fair Expo