Carolina Classic Fair facts for kids
The Carolina Classic Fair is a super fun yearly event that happens in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It's a big fair that takes place every autumn at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds. This fairground is part of a larger area called the Winston-Salem Entertainment-Sports Complex. It's right next to the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
In 2007, a record 371,219 people visited the fair! This made it one of the most popular fairs in North America. For many years, it has been the second most attended fair in North Carolina, right after the North Carolina State Fair.
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What is the Carolina Classic Fair?
The Carolina Classic Fair is a traditional fair where people can enjoy many exciting things. You can find thrilling rides, delicious fair food, live entertainment, and fun games. There are also exhibits that show off local agriculture, arts, and crafts. It's a great place for families and friends to make memories together every fall.
A Look at the Fair's History
The fair started a long time ago in 1882 in the old town of Salem. Back then, it was a small event focused on showing off different types of grain. In 1897, another event called the Piedmont Tobacco Fair began. Soon after, these two events joined together to create what was known as the Winston-Salem Fair.
The fair moved to its current location, the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, in 1952. A few years later, in 1956, its name changed to the "Dixie Classic Fair for Northwest North Carolina." For many years, until 2019, most people just called it the Dixie Classic Fair.
Why the Name Changed
In October 2019, the leaders of Winston-Salem, called the City Council, decided to change the fair's name. The word "Dixie" was seen by some as a reminder of a difficult time in American history. It was connected to the Civil War and the states that supported keeping people enslaved. To make sure the fair felt welcoming to everyone, the name was changed to the Carolina Classic Fair.
When the Fair Didn't Happen
Like many big events, the fair has had to take breaks sometimes. There were no fairs in 1917 and 1918. It also didn't happen during World War II, from 1942 to 1945. More recently, the fair was not held in 2020. But it has always come back, bringing joy to people in North Carolina!
