NC State Fair Returns + Money For Education + Mask Updates

Happy National Watermelon Day,

Today there's a really exciting new bar coming to downtown, mask updates, and info on the fair returning to North Carolina. Check out that, events, and more below.

Today's weather, 8/3: Rain throughout the day. High: 74 Low: 67.

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Here are the top stories in Raleigh today:

1. Tickets for the NC State Fair are on sale now. The event will run October 14-24, and if you purchase tickets in advance, you can get a discounted rate. Traditionally the state fair has seen about 1 million visitors in it's 10-day run. There has not been an official release about COVID-19 precautions as of yet. (WRAL) Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day will be Thursday, October 21, and your entry will be comped if you bring 6 canned food items. (CBS17)
2. The NC Education lottery has raised an unprecedented $936 million for schools after seeing $3.8 billion in ticket sales. The sales represent a 26% increase over the sales in 2020. Many people took to playing the lottery during the COVID-19 pandemic while entertainment was limited, and North Carolinians have won more than $2.4 billion from the lottery. (WRAL)
3. The popular app, GasBuddy has revealed an unfortunate rise in gas prices over the past year. Gas prices are nearly $1 higher than this time last year in Raleigh. Gas is averaging $2.94 a gallon right now, with a range from $2.75-$3.09. The increase in Raleigh exceeds the national average, and the head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy predicts it will continue to rise until people return to school. (CBS17)
4. A new downtown bar is slated to open on August 9. West Street Dog, is a bar designed with furry friends in mind. The bar is a hybrid dog-park and bar. On one side of the bar there is a playground for your pups to roam free with artificial turf, and the other is a leashed area to relax with your pet. In order to frequent the bar, all dogs must get a membership that requires a meet and greet, proof of vaccinations, as well as be spayed or neutered. The location also features a daycare and boarding site. (abc11)
5. Mask Updates
   1. Parents and leaders are at odds over masks in schools. (WRAL)
   2. Some churches are following advice from health officials and requiring masks at Sunday services again. (CBS17)
   3. Many grocery stores are returning to mask requirements in order to shop. (WRAL)
   4. CDC says it is not safe for vaccinated people to be mask-less in most NC Counties including Wake. (WRAL)
   5. Many city buildings across NC have reinstated their mask mandates. (CBS17)

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Today in Raleigh

• Music Discovery and Instrument Zoo: Hosted by the Philharmonic Association String Quartet and United Strings of Color Quartet. Registration required. (5:15 pm-6:00 pm)
• Blood Drive at the Pour House: Hosted by the Blood Connection, all donors get a $20 Gift Card. (4:00 pm-8:00 pm)
• Paradise in a Glass at Pinot's Palette: Paint a wine glass with beach vibes. Reservation includes 2 glasses. (7:00 pm-9:00 pm)
• Jason Jefferies at Beer & Banjos (6:30 pm-9:00 pm)
• Cary Jazz Meetup and Jam Session (7:00 pm)

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Raleigh Patch Notebook

• Check out Local Harvest to find the freshest watermelons for National Watermelon Day.
• Raleigh Brewing is partnering with the Women's Center on the 26th to Break the Cycle of trauma, abuse, and homelessness for women in the Triangle (Instagram)

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— CJ Fullford

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