The sights, sounds and thrills of the classic carnival are rolling into Catawba County as James E. Strates Shows presents the Hickory Summer Fair — opening Thursday, June 19, and running through Sunday, June 29, at Hickory Motor Speedway, 3130 Highway 70 SE, Newton.
This family-friendly event will have more than 25 amusement rides, including the Sky Flyer, Dream Wheel and the whimsical Monkey Maze. Little ones can enjoy their own adventure in a dedicated Kiddieland, while parents and grandparents revisit childhood memories on the timeless carousel.
The Hickory Summer Fair opens Thursday, June 19, and runs through Sunday, June 29, at Hickory Motor Speedway, 3130 Highway 70 SE, Newton.
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Fairgoers will be tempted by the aroma of classic midway eats — from hot, golden French fries with vinegar to melt-in-your-mouth funnel cakes dusted in powdered sugar. Games of skill, live energy and nonstop fun await at every turn.
The Fair opens at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, with daily closing at 10 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, and children get in free. Parking is also free. Ride tickets are 50 cents each, with most attractions requiring four to five tickets. Fairgoers can take advantage of unlimited ride wristbands for $25 Monday through Thursday and $30 Friday through Sunday for a full day of fun.
Admission is $5 for adults, and children get in free. Parking is also free. Ride tickets are 50 cents each, with most attractions requiring four to five tickets.
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Celebrating its 102nd year of operations in 2025, Strates Shows, a family-owned and operated business, is led by the third generation of the Strates family, including Jimmy, Jay, John and Susan. Continuing the legacy, Nick Strates joined the show full time in 2015 as part of the fourth generation, ensuring the tradition lives on. The company was founded in 1923 by Greek immigrant James E. Strates as the Southern Tier Shows in Elmira, New York.
Fairgoers can take advantage of unlimited ride wristbands for $25 Monday through Thursday, and $30 Friday through Sunday for a full day of fun.
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The carnival will have rides like the Sky Flyer, Dream Wheel and the whimsical Monkey Maze.
Admission is $5 for adults, and children get in free. Parking is also free. Ride tickets are 50 cents each, with most attractions requiring four to five tickets.
