The state fair has begun in Raleigh. A ten day event, the state fair showcases the best the state has to offer. From agriculture and giant pumpkins, to roller coasters and bright flashing lights, to new health food crazes and deep fried Oreos, the fair offers something for everyone.
On Oct. 19, the Lenovo Center hosted Sabrina Carpenter. Unfortunately, the concert was scheduled at the same time as the state fair, which had conceded some of its parking to accommodate the concert-goers.
The resulting traffic caused some people to wait in their cars for up to four hours, causing outrage online, an account by the name “Luck” posted on X (formerly known as twitter) “NC State Fair traffic will be your 13th reason.”
The state fair posted on its official X and Instagram accounts Oct. 19 warning visitors of impeding traffic and encouraging the use of its shuttles, although their solution did not resolve the anticipated issues.
Attendees of the state fair were not the only ones dismayed at the traffic issues. A number of concert-goers took to social media to complain about the traffic, some citing the checking of concert tickets at the gate, which was not announced, and caused people to scramble and stall traffic.
The last time another event caused traffic like this was in 2002, when an NCSU football game, a Carolina Hurricanes game, and the NC state fair occurred on the same day. Both teams have made a promise not to schedule a home game during the state fair.
The state fair may run into more issues like this within the week with a Little Big Town concert at the Lenovo Center Oct. 25, and a Rainbow Kitten Surprise concert Oct. 26, though concert attendance is not anticipated to be as large.
