RALEIGH - It looks like it's going to cost a bit more to get into the State Fair. The N.C. Board of Agriculture voted 7-0 to approve a $1 increase in admission prices.

Adult admission would increase to $7 for advance sales and $9 at the gate. Children ages 6 through 12 would cost $4 at the gate, with a $1 discount for advance purchases. Children under 6 and adults 65 and over still would get in free.

In a conference call, the board voted 7-0 to allow State Fair management to begin work on a $1 price increase for the 2013 fair.

In a memo to the board, State Fair Manager Wesley Wyatt said the increase would allow the fair to keep pace with a variety of rising operating expenses and still dedicate money for improvements to the fairgrounds. The State Fair does not receive tax dollars to cover its expenses.

The new ticket prices are subject to final approval by the board later this year. The last change in admission prices occurred in 2010.

In other action, the board approved a request by the N.C. Peanut Growers Association to hold a referendum among growers in April. Peanut growers will be asked to vote on whether to continue an assessment of $3 per ton of peanuts sold. The assessment supports the association’s efforts to promote and market North Carolina peanuts.