Published: 06:00 AM, Thu Sep 02, 2010
Cape Fear Fair kicks off this weekend
The second annual Cape Fear Fair gets underway next week at the Fayetteville Motor Speedway, and no one could be happier about turning 2 than Robert Lee, the fair's president.
"We're happy to be back," said Lee. "And we're as grand as always."
The Cape Fear Fair, which runs Thursday through Sept. 12, will feature more than 30 amusement park rides, as well as inflatable attractions for children, live music, monster trucks, a demolition derby, a petting zoo, educational agriculture exhibits, a "Cape Fear Idol" singing competition, and more.
"We've had a year to work on it, to make it better," said Lee.
Last year's inaugural fair brought in close to 20,000 attendees, he said.
"That's not bad for our first time out; we put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this," said Lee. "And the taxpayers don't pay a single dime for this fair."
Lee was referring to to the Cumberland County Fair that will run Sept. 16-26, which receives county funds to produce the event.
Lee formed the Cape Fear Fair nearly two years ago with the help of investors and volunteers - or, rather, he reformed it. In 1953, the Junior Chamber of Commerce chartered the Cape Fear Fair Association Inc., a non-profit organization.
The association, Lee said, has the goals of providing entertainment and agricultural education for Cumberland County.
To that end, Lee said, the organization will be providing financial assistance again to Cumberland County high school students who wish to further their education in the agriculture or mechanical arts field.
Lee said he was pleasantly surprised that last year's Cape Fear Fair received the 2009 North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Commissioner of Agriculture Award & Display Contest.
"See, we must be doing something right," said Lee. "And we'll continue to grow and get better and bigger every year."
A lot of that growth, Lee predicts, will come from the younger generation of fair-goers.
"We're really trying to put an emphasis on bringing young people to the fair," said Lee. "I think we've got a lot to offer them."
Specifically, Lee said the fair's first-ever Ultimate High School Quarterback Challenge will bring a lot of teens and local football fans to the fair. Participating local high school quarterbacks will test their skills in various competitions, with the winner walking away with a $2,500 scholarship.
Lee said this year's fair will offer a lot of value, especially for families.
"We're, again, keeping ticket prices at $10, and that includes all rides and shows," said Lee. "People want more for their money in this economy; one day I'd like for the fair to be big enough that we could let people in for free."
A special "$25 car load" promotion on Sept. 8 should be an exciting addition, Lee said.
"We're not advocating that anyone break the law," Lee clarified. "But if you can squeeze 30 friends and family into your mama's van, then you're all getting in for $25. We're hoping have fun with this and take advantage of the offer."
Other fair highlights include the 60-to-70-car demolition derby, a monster truck that can perform a back flip and the old-fashioned feel of dirt beneath your feet.
"Our fair has that country fair atmosphere," said Lee. "It's outside in the breeze, with the dirt and grass under the stars. And we don't sell alcohol. This is a true family event."
Cape Fear Fair
Where: Fayetteville Motor Speedway, 3704 Doc Bennett Road
When: Thursday through Sept. 12. Gates open at 6 p.m. on weekdays and at 1 p.m. on weekends and Labor Day. Closing times vary from 9 p.m. to midnight.
Tickets: $10 per person, which includes all rides and shows. Parking is free. Tickets can be purchased at the gate during fair hours.
Information: Call 988-2144, 850-9700 or go to www.capefearfair.org
Note: No refunds will be given due to inclement weather and there is a no re-admittance policy.
The petting zoo is open Sept. 7-9.
Monster truck rides are offered daily, and the Sandhill Antique Farm Equipment Club has a daily exhibit.
James Lamm & Rocky, the trick mule, will be performing Sept. 6-10 only.
Staff writer Brian Dukes can be reached at dukesb@fayobserver.com or 486-3523.