“Fair Charlotte” is a haunting American folk ballad that has captivated listeners for generations. The tale recounts the tragic fate of a young woman named Charlotte who perishes during a sleigh ride to a New Year’s ball. This cautionary narrative serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of vanity and imprudence in the face of harsh winter conditions.

The story’s enduring popularity stems from its blend of romance, tragedy, and moral lesson. Charlotte’s refusal to dress warmly, prioritizing fashion over practicality, leads to her untimely demise. The ballad’s simple yet evocative lyrics paint a vivid picture of the cold winter night and the ill-fated journey.

While “Fair Charlotte” remains a classic folk tale, the name has also been adopted for various events and attractions. The Charlotte Fair, held annually in North Carolina, offers a modern twist on traditional fairs with rides, games, and entertainment. This contemporary usage demonstrates how the name “Charlotte” continues to evoke notions of community gatherings and seasonal celebrations, albeit in a more lighthearted context than its folkloric namesake.

History of Fair Charlotte

The tale of Fair Charlotte originated in the 19th century, evolving from a tragic real-life event into a popular ballad and cultural phenomenon. Its haunting narrative captured public imagination and spawned various adaptations.

Origins in Vermont and Maine

The story of Fair Charlotte traces back to a real incident in Vermont. A young woman froze to death while traveling to a dance on a bitterly cold winter night. This tragic event caught the attention of Seba Smith, a journalist and poet from Maine.

Smith transformed the tale into a poem titled “A Corpse Going to a Ball” in 1843. He published it in The Rover, a Maine newspaper, on December 28 of that year. The poem’s vivid imagery and moral message resonated with readers, quickly spreading beyond New England.

Legacy of the Ballad ‘A Corpse Going to a Ball’

Smith’s poem gained widespread popularity, evolving into a folk ballad known as “Young Charlotte” or “Fair Charlotte.” The ballad became a staple of American folk music, passed down through oral tradition and printed songbooks.

Its cautionary tale warned young women about the dangers of vanity and recklessness. The story’s impact extended beyond music, influencing popular culture and even inspiring a type of porcelain doll called “Frozen Charlotte.”

These small, unjointed dolls represented the frozen girl from the ballad. They became popular children’s toys and collectibles in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Tale of Young Charlotte

The ballad tells the story of Charlotte, a beautiful young woman who insisted on wearing a thin silk dress to a New Year’s Eve ball despite the freezing weather. She rode in an open sleigh with her beau, Charles, for a 15-mile journey to the dance.

Charlotte refused to wrap herself in a blanket, not wanting to cover her fashionable dress. By the time they reached the ball, Charles discovered to his horror that Charlotte had frozen to death during the ride.

The tale’s stark imagery and tragic ending served as a powerful reminder of nature’s harsh realities and the consequences of vanity. Its enduring popularity reflects the ballad’s emotional impact and moral message.

Modern Charlotte Fair

The Charlotte Fair has become a beloved annual tradition, offering excitement and entertainment for visitors of all ages. This family-friendly event features thrilling rides, captivating attractions, and unique entertainment acts.

Annual Event at Charlotte Motor Speedway

The Charlotte Fair takes place each spring at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Located at 6558 Bruton Smith Boulevard in Concord, the fair typically runs for 12 days in late March and early April.

Operating hours vary by day of the week. Saturdays see the longest hours, with the fair open from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. On Sundays, gates are open from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Weekday hours generally run from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., with extended hours on Fridays until 11 p.m.

Variety of Rides and Attractions

The fair boasts dozens of thrilling rides for all ages and thrill levels. Classic carnival games offer chances to win prizes and test skills.

A highlight for many visitors is the diverse array of fair food. Vendors serve up traditional favorites like funnel cakes, cotton candy, and corn dogs.

The Rockin’ A Ranch Petting Zoo allows guests to interact with friendly farm animals. This attraction provides an educational and hands-on experience for children and animal lovers alike.

Specialty Entertainment Acts

Lady J’s Strong & Amazing Aerial Stunt Show amazes crowds with daring acrobatics. Her performances showcase strength and agility high above the fairgrounds.

DockDogs competitions feature talented canines competing in events like Big Air, Extreme Vertical, and Speed Retrieve. These impressive displays of canine athleticism draw large audiences.

Lady Houdini, a skilled escape artist, performs her famous Water Torture Cell Trick. This nail-biting act pays homage to the legendary Harry Houdini while adding modern twists.

Tickets and Admission

The Charlotte Fair offers various ticket options and admission specials to cater to different preferences and budgets. Visitors can choose from regular admission tickets, unlimited ride wristbands, and take advantage of discount days and special offers.

Understanding Ticket Prices

Regular admission to the Charlotte Fair is $10 for adults and $5 for children aged 5-12. Children under 5 enter free with a paying adult. Parking is available for $5 per vehicle. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online in advance.

Senior citizens (65+) and military personnel with valid ID receive a $2 discount on admission. Group rates are available for parties of 20 or more, offering a 20% discount on regular admission prices.

Options for Unlimited Rides

For ride enthusiasts, the Unlimited Ride Wristband is an excellent value. Priced at $30, it allows unlimited access to all rides throughout the day. Wristbands are available for purchase at the fair or online.

Weekday specials often include discounted wristband prices, typically $25 on select days. These promotions are subject to change, so checking the official website for current offers is advised.

Discount Days and Special Offers

The Charlotte Fair features several discount days and special offers:

• Thrifty Thursday: $5 admission and $20 unlimited ride wristbands
• College Night: Students with valid ID receive $5 admission on select evenings
• First Responders Day: Free admission for first responders with valid ID
• Military Appreciation Day: Free admission for active and retired military personnel

Family Value Packs are available, including admission for four people and four unlimited ride wristbands at a discounted rate. These packs offer significant savings compared to individual purchases.

Special Events and Promotions

The Charlotte Fair offers exciting special events and promotions to enhance visitors’ experiences and provide added value. These include targeted discounts for students, budget-friendly deals, and perks for frequent fairgoers.

College Night and Student Offers

College Night at the Charlotte Fair gives students a chance to enjoy the festivities at discounted rates. By presenting a valid student ID, college students can gain admission at reduced prices on designated evenings.

Some attractions and vendors may offer additional student discounts. These can include deals on rides, games, and fair food favorites. The exact date for College Night varies each year, so students should check the fair’s website or social media for the most up-to-date information.

Thrifty Thursday Deals

Thrifty Thursday is a budget-friendly option for fairgoers looking to maximize their experience. On these designated Thursdays during the fair’s run, visitors can take advantage of special pricing on admission, rides, and select food items.

Ride wristbands are often offered at discounted rates on Thrifty Thursdays. This allows guests to enjoy unlimited rides for a set price. Some food vendors may also feature special menu items or reduced prices on popular fair treats.

Fair Flyer Perks

The Fair Flyer program rewards loyal fairgoers with exclusive benefits. By signing up for the Fair Flyer newsletter, subscribers receive early access to ticket sales, promotional codes for discounts, and insider information about special events.

Fair Flyers may also be eligible for express entry lines during peak times. This can help frequent visitors avoid long waits at the gates. Additionally, Fair Flyer members sometimes get first dibs on limited-time offers or contests throughout the fair’s duration.

Entertainment and Activities

The Charlotte Fair offers a diverse array of entertainment options and activities for visitors of all ages. From captivating performances to hands-on experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Live Performances and Acts

The fair’s main stage hosts a variety of thrilling acts throughout the event. Lady Houdini, a renowned escape artist, showcases her death-defying stunts that leave audiences in awe.

Local bands and musicians perform daily, covering genres from country to rock. The lineup changes regularly, ensuring fresh entertainment for repeat visitors.

Circus acts, including acrobats and jugglers, demonstrate their impressive skills. These performances occur at scheduled times throughout the day.

Interactive and Educational Experiences

Rockin’ A Ranch Petting Zoo provides a hands-on opportunity for children to interact with farm animals. Visitors can feed and pet goats, sheep, and other friendly creatures.

The fair features several craft workshops where attendees can create their own souvenirs. These sessions cover activities like pottery painting and jewelry making.

An interactive science exhibit allows visitors to participate in fun experiments. This area is particularly popular with school groups and families.

Silent Disco and Nightlife

As the sun sets, the fair transforms into a vibrant nightlife destination. The Silent Disco is a unique attraction where participants dance to music through wireless headphones.

Multiple channels of music cater to different tastes, from pop hits to electronic dance tunes. Colored lights on the headphones indicate which channel each dancer is tuned into.

For those seeking a more traditional experience, a beer garden offers local craft brews and live acoustic performances. This area provides a relaxed atmosphere for adults to unwind.

Culinary Experience

Fair Charlotte offers a diverse array of culinary delights that cater to various tastes and preferences. From classic fair staples to innovative themed concessions, the event provides a gastronomic journey for all attendees.

Diversity of Fair Food

Fair Charlotte boasts an impressive selection of traditional fair foods. Visitors can indulge in classic favorites like corn dogs, funnel cakes, and cotton candy. Savory options include juicy burgers, crispy fries, and grilled corn on the cob.

For those seeking healthier alternatives, fresh fruit cups and salads are available. Vegetarian and vegan options have also gained popularity in recent years, with vendors offering plant-based burgers and dairy-free ice cream.

Local specialties feature prominently, showcasing Charlotte’s culinary heritage. Barbecue lovers can enjoy pulled pork sandwiches and smoked ribs, while seafood enthusiasts can savor fried catfish and hush puppies.

Specialty and Themed Concessions

Fair Charlotte embraces culinary creativity with its specialty and themed concessions. These unique offerings add excitement to the dining experience and often become talking points among fairgoers.

Innovative fusion foods combine different cuisines, resulting in dishes like sushi burritos or mac and cheese egg rolls. Dessert lovers can explore extravagant creations such as deep-fried cookie dough or chocolate-covered bacon.

Themed concessions align with current food trends or pop culture references. Examples include unicorn-inspired treats with vibrant colors and edible glitter, or movie-themed snacks that pay homage to popular films.

Some vendors specialize in oversized portions, challenging visitors to tackle massive burgers or colossal ice cream sundaes. These attention-grabbing offerings often draw crowds and create memorable fair experiences.

Location and Transportation

Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina hosts the Charlotte Fair. Convenient access and ample parking make attending the fair straightforward for most visitors.

Directions to Charlotte Motor Speedway

Charlotte Motor Speedway is located at 5555 Concord Parkway South in Concord, NC. From Charlotte, take I-85 North to Exit 49 (Bruton Smith Boulevard). Turn right at the end of the exit ramp and follow signs to the speedway.

For those coming from other directions, U.S. 29 also provides direct access to the venue. GPS users should input the address for accurate navigation.

Public transportation options are limited, so driving is the most common method of arrival.

Parking and Accessibility

Charlotte Motor Speedway offers extensive on-site parking for fairgoers. General parking is free and located in designated lots surrounding the facility.

Premium parking closer to the entrance is available for a fee. Accessible parking spaces are provided near the main gates for visitors with disabilities.

Shuttles run from distant parking areas to the fair entrance during peak hours. Golf cart service is often available for those needing assistance navigating the parking areas.

The fairgrounds are designed to be wheelchair and stroller friendly, with paved paths throughout most areas.