Carolina Classic Fair (formerly known as Dixie Classic)

Kristi Marion Updated: September 17, 2020 Events 2 Comments

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Fair-swings Fall is in the air, and, luckily, so are fireworks and the smell of funnel cakes at the Carolina Classic Fair (formerly Dixie Classic Fair). While it may not be the same during COVID-19 in 2020, the newly renamed fair is working on some creative ways for you to get your fill of rides, games, exhibits, animals and fair food October 1 – 4, 2020.

The Carolina Classic Fair in Winston-Salem, NC is the second largest agricultural fair in the state. Ferris wheels, fun rides and furry friends abound! Enjoy live entertainment, fried foods on a stick (are you up for trying fried butter or a Krispy Kreme burger?), blue ribbon entries, tractor pulls, fun rides, and more, all at the Carolina Classic Fair.

2020 Tickets And Info

Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the fair will look much different in 2020. But, they put together a virtual and drive-thru event so guests can still enjoy many of the things they love most about the Carolina Classic Fair! Even a global pandemic cannot keep the fair from coming to town!

Ticket Price

Admission is free this year but a donation of 5 canned goods is recommended for the Crisis Control Ministry.

Fair Hours

Thursday-Sunday 11am – 7pm

Drive-Thru

Due to COVID, there will not be a parking and walk around option at the fair. But you can plan a family outing for a drive thru experience.

Plan to enter the fairground off of 27th Street, through Gate 9, and exit towards Deacon Blvd at Gate 2.

Find Out More About the 2020 Fair

Visit the Carolina Classic Fair Facebook page for the latest info on this unique event.

Future Dates

October 1 – October 10, 2021
September 30 – October 9, 2022

History Of The Carolina Classic Fair

Dixie Classic Fair 1974 Digital Forsyth photo ferris wheel rides — Dixie Classic Fair 1974. Digital Forsyth image

The fair began in Winston’s twin city, Salem (now Old Salem) in 1882 as a grain exposition. The Piedmont Tobacco Fair began in Winston in 1897. The two events soon joined and became the Winston-Salem Fair.

The fair moved to its current location at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum entertainment complex grounds in 1952, and was then renamed the Dixie Classic Fair for Northwest North Carolina (name shortened in later years). One of the largest fairs in North America, in 2007, the Dixie Classic fair had a record attendance of 371,000 and achieved its second highest attendance record in 2011, with 357,416 visitors.

In 2020, the fair was renamed to the Carolina Classic Fair.

What do you enjoy most about the fair?

Sources: www.dcfair.com, www.cityprofile.com, Winston-Salem Journal

About The Author: Kristi Marion

Kristi was born and raised just up the road in Mount Airy (a.k.a. Mayberry) and frequented Winston-Salem often growing up for school field trips, shopping, and dining. After attending Appalachian State University, and a brief stint living in Southern Virginia, Kristi returned to Winston-Salem, NC in 1999 and began her work in non-profit, public relations and writing. She and her family enjoy the convenience of living near downtown Winston-Salem. She enjoys the arts, photography and cooking. "I'm a small town girl at heart, but Winston-Salem isn't an overwhelming city. It is rich with friendly people, history, culture and has a vibrant art community and that is why I am proud to call this "My Winston-Salem!"

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