Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2024 Fair?
The Fair opens at 4:30pm on Wednesday September 11, and closes at 7:00pm on Sunday September 15.
Where is the Fair located?
Lions Club Fairgrounds
505 N 7th St
Sanford, NC 27330
Google Maps link
What is the Fair Admission cost, and is there a Parking fee?
Parking at the Fair is always free.
ADMISSION
Wednesday September 11
$5. Children under 36" tall admitted free. Senior Citizens (age 65+) and Students admitted free from 4:30–7:30pm.
Thursday September 12
Friday September 13
Saturday September 14
$5. Children under 36" tall admitted free.
Sunday September 15
$5 OR 3 non-perishable food item donations for local CUOCLC and Salvation Army food banks. Children under 36" tall admitted free.
What time each day does the Fair open and close?
Wednesday September 11
4:30pm Ribbon Cutting – 11:00pm
Thursday September 12
4:30pm – 11:00pm
Friday September 13
4:30pm – 12 midnight
On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the Midway rides and ticket kiosks open at 5:00pm
Saturday September 14
12noon – 11:00pm
Sunday September 15
12noon – 7:00pm
On Saturday and Sunday, the Midway rides and ticket kiosks open at 12:30pm.
CHECK THE DAILY SCHEDULES FOR TIMES & EVENTS.
Who is providing this year's Midway Rides?
Big Rock Amusements, a family owned and operated traveling amusement park, will provide our Midway again this year. You can save $ by purchasing your Midway ride tickets online BEFORE 12NOON ON FAIR OPENING DAY. For Midway details and a link to buy tickets online in advance, visit our MIDWAY page.
How do I enter Exhibits in the Fair?
We encourage pre-registration for all exhibits and competitions, with online entry at www.FairEntry.com.
Register online between July 10, 2024 and September 5, 2024.
Complete the online process by creating an account, then move through the data entry pages. Please list your full name, address, phone number and email. This ensures that any premiums you win will be properly linked to your name.
NOTE: There is NO fee for entries! But you still must select "Continue to Payment" in order to submit your entries.
Who can enter Exhibits and Contests?
Exhibit competitions at the Fair are open to individuals from Lee County and surrounding counties included in NC Cooperative Extension's South-Central District.
What can I enter at the Fair?
Look through the online 2024 Lee Regional Fair EXHIBITS CATALOG for ideas of what you can enter. Be sure to review requirements for each entry.
Some entries in the Agricultural Exhibit Hall have size limitations. Entries that exceed size limitations will be on display if there is space but they will not be judged. If you have questions that are not answered in the Exhibits Catalog, contact Agricultural Exhibits Hall Manager Danny Duggin at 919-721-1236.
When do I bring my Exhibit(s)?
Photography and Artwork Exhibits can be entered September 5th and 6th, 2024, from 3–6pm, with ALL exhibits entered on Saturday and Sunday, September 7 and 8, from 1–6pm.
Entries must remain on display throughout Fair Week and are not released until the Fair closes. Removal of entries prior to the Fair closing will result in the loss of premiums.
Before entering Exhibits, what should I do?
Complete the Exhibit Inventory Form, and bring it with you to check-in on September 7 or 8.
When will Exhibit entries be judged?
Judging takes place on Monday prior to the Fair Opening day. Judging is closed to the public.
When will judging results be available?
Results are posted in the Agricultural Exhibit Hall by Fair Opening day.
What is the prize money if I win?
Winning exhibits are awarded ribbons and premium $$$.
1st Place: Blue
2nd Place: Red
3rd Place: White
Honorable Mention: Yellow
Best in Show: Purple
Premium amounts range from $4–$50.
What is the Blue-Ribbon Winner Raffle?
You can be a BIG winner at this year's Fair!
One youth and one adult will each receive $250 from the Blue-Ribbon Raffle. The more you enter, the more chances you have to win 1st place and be entered into the Blue-Ribbon Raffle. The drawing will be held on Opening night, and the winners will be notified to pick up their winnings during Fair Week. Don't miss this opportunity! Scan the Fair catalog and enter online at www.FairEntry.com, and bring your items to check-in at the Fairgrounds.
What is the NC State Fair "Best of Show"?
The Lee Regional Fair will again participate in the NC State Fair “Best of Show” competition. One adult and one youth entry will be selected to be on display in the State Fair's exhibit and will compete against other Fairs in NC. Just for participating, the Exhibitors will each receive $100, and if their item wins, they'll win another $200!
When do I pick up my Exhibit(s) and Premium(s)?
Entries and Premiums can be picked up from 3–6pm on Monday September 16.
What should I do if I have a question that's not answered here?
Submit your question using the form on our site's CONTACT page. That page also has a link to view/download a full list of Fair Contacts, including each person's email address and phone#.
Sanford Lions Club
sponsors the annual
Lee Regional Fair.
www.SanfordLionsClub.com