RALEIGH, N.C. — Changes in this year’s N.C. State Fair fireworks show brings the nightly event back to the fairgrounds property. The show will be comprised of 80 percent close-proximity shells and 20 percent two-inch shells. This mix will allow fairgoers to watch the show from launch to finale near Gate 8. The fireworks will be shot from three barges located on the pond between Gate 8 and Heritage Circle.

“The biggest change to fairgoers will be that the best viewing area for fireworks will change,” said Kent Yelverton, fair manager. “For the best view, we encourage families to head down to the pond near Gate 8 to see the show. We know that the fireworks are an important part of the fair experience. We want to continue this tradition, but it means that fairgoers will need to adjust their traditional viewing location to capture the best possible show.”

With close-proximity fireworks there is no debris fallout, the shells are not “hot” and the technology used does not have the strength of sound of traditional shells. “With additional development around the fairgrounds, these fireworks will work better with the surroundings and will still provide an exciting show for visitors,” Yelverton said. “All salute and cannonade fireworks have been eliminated which may make the show more sensory-friendly for some of our fairgoers.”

American Fireworks Company of Ohio will provide the fireworks. The company has experience with close-proximity displays for events and venues without the space required for traditional large shell shows. Fireworks will begin at 9:45 nightly and last about 10 minutes. The 2019 N.C. State Fair runs Oct. 17-27 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.

–N.C. State Fair