RALEIGH, N.C.— The North Carolina State Fair first came to Raleigh in the 1850s. Back then, dazzling lights, fireworks, giant stuffed animals and wacky fair foods weren't yet on the menu.

Raleigh’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, a tradition for over 40 years, will take place this year on Saturday, March 15. Led by this year’s Grand Marshal (Van Eure, owner of The Angus Barn ...