NC State Fair attendance down as families face higher costs

Thousands of people attended the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh on Tuesday, but many families said higher prices required careful budgeting, according to ABC11 WTVD.

The Harris family, with four children, said they set a $120 spending limit for rides and meals, noting that rising costs have reduced how often they visit the fair.

State Fair officials reported nearly 354,000 attendees in the first five days this year, compared with about 392,000 during the same period last year, a decline partly attributed to colder, rainy weather on Saturday.

Families pointed out specific price increases, such as $40 for parking and $12 to $13 for entrance tickets, with some food items like Korean corn dogs costing $12.

Despite the higher costs, some attendees said they still plan to visit the fair once a year, highlighting the event's importance to local families.

Fair organizers and attendees continue to monitor how economic factors affect participation and spending at the event.