RALEIGH -- The North Carolina fair is opening its gates in the state capital Thursday at 3 P.M. with rides, nearly every fried food imaginable, and livestock showcases. Wesley Wyatt, Manager of the NC Fair Division, says it is a never-ending project to make sure everything is in place for the fair.

Wyatt said, "We try to make improvements to our facilities year round. We've done some things, such as improving our wash pits for animals, making some improvements to our restroom facilities, we've had a major project working on the heating and ventilation system here in Dorton Arena."

The 147th North Carolina State Fair will run through October 26th. Tickets and other information is available at ncstatefair.org.