N.C. State Fair to honor active, former military and guard members on Duke Energy Military Appreciation Day

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A factual summary is pending editorial review. The complete official release is reproduced below with issuer attribution and a direct link to the original publication.

Official release

Source material from North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The wording below is the issuer’s statement.

The N.C. State Fair is proud to hold Duke Energy Military Appreciation Day to celebrate and pay special tribute to all active and former military service and guard members on Wednesday, Oct. 21. With proof of identification, military personnel plus up to three guests will receive free entry into the fair on this day.

“Military Appreciation Day is one of the fair’s most meaningful traditions, providing an opportunity for fairgoers and the community to recognize the men and women who have served in every branch of the armed forces,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This day celebrates those who are actively serving and the veterans whose commitment and sacrifice have helped protect the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans.”

This year, Duke Energy Military Appreciation Day will include an expanded admission offer to make the celebrations even more accessible for military families. For the first time, active-duty military members and veterans, including National Guardsmen and reservists, will receive complimentary admission for themselves plus up to three guests, expanding the benefit to family and friends of service members.

“North Carolina is home to one of the nation's strongest and most vibrant military communities. From active-duty service members to veterans and military families, their contributions strengthen our state in countless ways,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. “We are honored to join the North Carolina State Fair in recognizing their service and celebrating the lasting impact they have on our communities."

As part of the celebration, there will be a parade showcasing the military through the years beginning at 10 a.m. Starting in the main carnival midway, the parade will make its way through Kiddieland, past the Scott Building and back through the carnival midway.

Following the parade, there will be activities on the Waterfall Stage near Dorton Arena.

Military Appreciation Day Waterfall Stage Activity Schedule

10:45 a.m. – Military Appreciation Day Program

11:15 a.m. – 440th Army Band

1:15 p.m. – 440th Army Band

2:30 p.m. – N.C. Department of Cultural and Natural Resources Military Uniform Revue

4 p.m. – 440th Army Band

6 p.m. – 440th Army Band

“I want to thank Duke Energy for their partnership and for helping us show support for our armed services at the fair again this year,” Troxler said. “In addition to free admission on Wednesday, Oct. 21, active and former members of the military and guard can take advantage of a discounted admission deal any other day of the fair.”

Identification accepted for the discounted admission includes Uniformed Services ID, Common Access Card, North Carolina Driver’s License with Veteran Designation, Veteran’s Health Identification Card, photocopy of DD-214 or photocopy of NGB-22 form.

The 2026 N.C. State Fair runs Oct. 15-25 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. The fair offers an experience unique to North Carolina for all who attend, and is an unparalleled value with free entertainment, thrilling rides and games, thousands of animals, endless family activities, competitions, vendors and creative deep-fried delights. For more information, visit www.ncstatefair.org.

For more information about the daily military discount, visit www.ncagr.gov/divisions/nc-state-fair/special-admission-days.

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Release text attributed to North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Consult the official publication for any subsequent corrections or updates.