Fairgoers can enjoy plenty of family-friendly exhibits and entertainment beyond the big rides and thrills of the State Fair in Raleigh. Pitzer Heritage Circle, the Folk Festival and the Village of Yesteryear all provide glimpses into some of North Carolina's time-honored traditions. Pitzer Heritage Circle will feature a storyteller, blacksmith and chair maker.

Families can see daily shows of traditional North Carolina music and dance at the Folk Festival or head over to the Village of Yesteryear to journey back in time and see how items were made before the Industrial Revolution.

Kiddieland Fun Park is another great location for families looking to escape the fast-paced atmosphere of the Midway. Located between Dorton Arena and Gate 11, Kiddieland Fun Park will feature the following entertainment:

-- Nick's Kids Show -- interactive musical shows performed by a Charlotte-based group

-- Magic 4 U -- educational magic and balloon-art shows

-- Washboard Willy and Wishboard Wanda -- a special combination of rhythm, sound effects and comedy. The pair use washboards, cymbals and other unusual instruments in their interactive shows.

-- Mobile Robots, a stilt walker and a caricature artist are roving daily.

Families looking to relax and listen to tunes varying from 1950s and 1960s do-wop songs to Aretha Franklin, the Eagles and Bonnie Raitt can visit the Waterfall Stage on the northwest side of Dorton Arena for daily shows. On the southeast lawn of Dorton Arena, children can experience life on the farm as they pick crops at the Field of Dreams exhibit and then "sell" their harvest at the Field of Dreams Farmers Market for Fair Money. The money can be spent at the Field of Dreams Grocery Store.

Hogway Speedway, the State Fair Ark and Doggies of the Wild West are other exciting exhibits for families and children. Five daily races featuring pigs, goats and geese racing around a 200-foot track will entertain fairgoers at Hogway Speedway near Gate 9.

Families and children can get a closer look at some of the animals involved in competitions during the Fair at the State Fair Ark. This exhibit provides information on our state's annual livestock production and the value of animals to the economy.

Fairgoers are reminded to visit one of the many hand-washing stations located around the fairgrounds after contact with animals. Pound-rescued pooches perform daily in Doggies of the Wild West shows near the Village of Yesteryear.

Families can top off their experience with the nightly fireworks display. Fireworks will be shot off from a small island in the middle of the pond next to Gate 8 at 9:45 p.m., and will be visible from all locations within the fairgrounds, as well as surrounding areas.

The N.C. State Fair is Oct. 13-22 in Raleigh. For more information visit www.ncstatefair.org.