Top 10 Tips for Enjoying the Dixie Classic Fair – 2012

By Elizabeth-Lee Lawley, account manager at Wildfire, the Dixie Classic Fair’s marketing agency

 Today is opening day at the 130th Dixie Classic Fair which runs for 10 consecutive days (Friday, September 28 through Sunday, October 7) at the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds in Winston-Salem. Attending the Fair is like a rite of passage for any resident of the Triad. Averaging 325,000 visitors each year, the Fair features a world-class carnival with numerous rides and games, nationally known musical entertainment, fabulous“fair” food, exhibits for livestock, arts, crafts and more.

Navigating your way through the fair for the first time – or any time with kids in tow – can be daunting task, especially if you’re a mom looking out for convenience, cost, safety and easy-to-get-to entertainment. For more information, you can visit DCFair.com.

1. Early Bird Specials and Children’s Tickets

Moms (and/or) dads can stop by the Fair between 11am-1pm during the week (Friday, Sept. 28 and Monday-Friday (Oct. 1–Oct. 5) and pay $4 admission, get their hand stamped when leaving and then they can come back that night for free. Children 5 and under are FREE every day. Admission for children ages 6-11 is $4 each day.

2. Unlimited Ride Nights

On Friday, Sept. 28, Monday, Oct. 1, Tuesday, Oct. 2, and Thursday, Oct. 4, Fairgoers can purchase unlimited ride bracelets for $30. If they want to save $5 per bracelet, they can pick up coupons at a participating Wendy’s restaurant. Click here for height requirements for rides.

3. Lowes Foods Day (Wednesday, Oct. 3)

Bring in five cans or packages of non-perishable Lowes Foods house brand food (although other brands are accepted) and receive FREE admission. Five items per person required.

4. Discounts and Savings with Winston-Salem Journal Family Fun Days (Saturday, Oct. 6 and Sunday, Oct. 7)

Discounted rides for kids 7 and under. Kids 7 and under can ride all Strates Shows Kiddieland rides for $10.00 (excluding pony rides), from opening until 7:00 pm. Note that the time has been extended this year to 7:00 pm to give families more opportunity to take advantage of the Kiddieland ride discount.

And, for a double discount on Winston-Salem Journal Family Days, present the coupon from the Winston-Salem Journal (running Wed. Oct 3 through Sun. Oct. 7), and kids get FREE admission. The coupon admits up to 4 children ages 11 and under to the Fair for FREE with one adult paid admission.

5. Where to Eat – Especially for Kids

Community Food Booths – For a full meal (hamburger/hotdog, French fries, and drink), expect to pay around $5 (or a little more) and support local community organizations. McBride’s Concessions – lots of selections. Chicken, BBQ, turkey legs, variety of sides, as well as desserts (ice cream, cotton candy and candy apples)

6. Strollers

Strollers are available for rent at the Fairgrounds, but cannot be reserved in advance. Prices range from $5-$15 depending on size (they offer singles, doubles and wagons).The Information Booth is located at the Northwest Gate.

7. Baby-Changing Stations

A tent will be set up between the Clock Tower Information Booth and the Grandstand for baby-changing.

8. Lost & Found

If you lose keys, wallets, IDs, etc. during the Fair, you may check at the Clock Tower Stage Information Booth to see if it has been turned in. If it has not been located before you leave, you may call the Dixie Classic office at 336-727-2236. Note: Some things still show up within two weeks after the Fair; you may still contact the office Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

9. Paging

Paging service is provided at the fee of $1 per page at the Clock Tower Information Booth.

10. First Aid

The Winston-Salem Rescue Squad will be on-site throughout the Fair schedule.

The Fair has redesigned its web site, DC Fair.com. It looks fantastic and is very user-friendly. Any other information you would need can be found on their site, including information on tickets, hours and directions.

Sponsored by Dixie Classic Fair