The 76th annual Drexel Community Fair kicks off Friday, Aug. 21,
and continues through Saturday, Aug. 29.
DREXEL COMMUNITY FAIR photos / FOR THE PAPER
After celebrating its 75th anniversary last summer, the Drexel Community Fair returns next weekend.
Friday, Aug. 21, and Saturday, Aug. 22, will feature “carnival style” entertainment, as amusement rides, carnival games, classic fair food, and live music will be offered both evenings.
Live music is a staple of the Drexel Community Fair, and eight
local bands are set to perform in 2026.
DREXEL COMMUNITY FAIR / FOR THE PAPER
Following a day off, the fair resumes Monday, Aug. 24, and continues through Saturday, Aug. 29, with the aforementioned entertainment as well as an exhibit hall, a livestock barn, and nightly door prize giveaways and fireworks.
Admission is free each night, parking is $3, and unlimited wristbands for the fair rides will be sold nightly for $25, although the latter can be pre-purchased online at drexelfair.com for a discounted rate of $20. Discount tickets — which are worth $5 off but must be presented in physical form — can also be found at local businesses in Drexel, Morganton, and Valdese.
Individual ride tickets will also be sold nightly for $1.50 each, as will family packs of 24 tickets for $25 and 55 tickets for $50.
Amusement rides serve as a major source of entertainment for
fairgoers.
DREXEL COMMUNITY FAIR / FOR THE PAPER
“We’re excited to welcome everyone back to the fair and celebrate another year of community, agriculture, and family fun,” said Don Deal, president of the Drexel Community Fair. “Our fair is a place where neighbors come together, traditions are shared, and new memories are made. Bring your family and come see us for an amazing time.”
Those interested in entering items into the exhibit hall must bring them to the Drexel Fairgrounds at 700 S. Main St. on Sunday, Aug. 23, from 2-6 p.m. All entry rules and category information, as well as more information about the Drexel Fair, can be found at drexelfair.com.
More information about the fair can also be found by searching for “Drexel Fair” on Facebook.
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