Salem Fair returns for 36th year: Rides, food, music, & games

SALEM, Va. (WFXR) — It’s that time of the year again. The Salem Fair is making its way back to the heart of the Roanoke Valley with over 40 rides and more than 30 food vendors scattered across 14 acres!

The largest fair in the state will be in town from July 3 through July 14. Fairgrounds will be open from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. on weekdays and from 12 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. There will also be a shuttle available at the old GE location.

Rides & Attractions

There will be 40 rides for attendees to enjoy including the 4×4 Quad Runner, Bananas, Cliffhanger, Dragon Coaster, Fireball, the Haunted Mansion, Magic Maze, Orient Express, Riptide, Spaceport, Tornado, Vertigo, Zero Gravity, Madagascar Funhouse, and more! This year the fair is also featuring its new ride “The Storm”, a kitty ride, and a Ferris Wheel.

Schedule

• Wednesday, July 3 – Opening Night with WFXR News
  $20 Ride Wristbands are good until closing (purchase before 6 pm). $30 after 6 pm (sold until 9 pm)

• Thursday, July 4 – Family 4-Pack Night and Fireworks
  4 wristbands for $100 (must purchase by 6 p.m. sharp). After 6 p.m. all wristbands are $32 each (sold until 9 p.m.)

• Saturday, July 6 – WELLS FARGO DAY
  $23-afternoon ride wristband, good only from 12 noon – 5 p.m. (must purchase before 4 p.m.). $39 all-day wristband, good 12 noon – 10 pm (sold until 8 p.m.)

• Sunday, July 7 – Greater Roanoke Workforce Day
  $23 all-day wristband, good 12 noon – 10 p.m. (must purchase by 4 p.m. sharp). After 4 p.m., all wristbands are $29 each (sold until 9 p.m.)

• Monday, July 8 – Pepsi Night
  Bring 2 Pepsi proofs of purchase and buy a wristband for $25, without the product, they are $33 (sold until 9 p.m.)

• Sunday, July 9 – Final Day Blast at the Fair
  $19 ride wristband (purchase before 4 pm). After 4 pm all wristbands are $25 each (sold until 9 pm).

• Thursday. July 11 – Salem Food Pantry Night by Kroger, WFXR News & Sprint FM
  $23 wristband with 2 items of non-perishable food, $33 without food donation (sold until 9 p.m.).

• Saturday, July 13 – Renewal by Andersen Day
  $ 23-afternoon ride wristband, good only from 12 noon – 5 p.m. (must purchase before 4 p.m.). $39 all-day wristband, good 12 noon – 10 p.m. (sold until 8 p.m.)

• Sunday, July 14 – Final Day Blast at the Fair by Virginia is for Mountain Lion Lovers
  All-day wristbands are $23 and sold between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. After 4 p.m. wristbands are $30 (sold until 9 p.m).

‘Freedom Festival’ 4th of July celebration ready to light up the sky in Roanoke

Free Shows

Danny Grant Cowboy Circus, Wildlife Wendy & Her Tropical Birds, Woody’s Barnyard Racers, Small World of Agriculture, Dynamo Dogs & Pool Party Pooches, Richard Barker: The Incredible Hypnotist, and Hilby: The German Juggling Boy.

Head to the Hart Motors Musical Stage for live musical performances every night at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

You also don’t want to miss the special fireworks celebration on the 4th of July.

Food

Come hungry, because they will be selling all of your favorite carnival snacks, including fried Oreos, funnel cakes, bacon burgers, chicken-on-a-stick, turkey legs, kettle corn, hot dogs, and more!

Attendees can purchase a one-day unlimited ride pass for a discounted rate on or before July 2. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets online in advance.

Safety & Precautions

Carey Harveycutter, Salem Fair Manager says they will still have its open gate metal detectors at both entrances and all I.D.s will be checked at the gate. A few things that are changing this year are the new clear bag that requires all fairgoers to bring a clear bag and all children 17 and under to have a chaperon, 25, with them at all times.

Harveycutter says Virginia State Police and the Salem Police Department will be at the gates and walking the fairgrounds.

Inside the Salem Civic Center

Weekends: 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Weekends: 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm

WFXR Talent schedule: 

For more information, visit salemfair.com.

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