Ad in 1954 State Fair Premium Book for Jack Kochman’s Hell Drivers, World’s Champions in Action! From the www.digital.ncdcr.gov collection Blue Ribbon Memories.
We are still celebrating the North Carolina State Fair for this week’s Picture of the Week. Have you had a chance to check out this year’s fair? If you are familiar with the fair then you know that besides, giant vegetables, prize winning livestock, carnival rides and deep fried foods there is quality entertainment for the entire family. These days you can check out pig races, demolition derbys and even a show by American Idol Scotty McCreery.
In the earlier days of the fair there show girls, animals acts, freak shows and much, much more! Including Jack Kochman’s Hell Drivers, the subject of this week’s picture. Kochman’s Drivers performed at the fair starting in 1946 through the early 1980s with a final appearence in 1988. The appearence of “auto thrill shows” have a long traditon at the North Carolnia State Fair.
Browse through Blue Ribbon Memories: Your History of the NC State Fair for State Fair Premium books for ads for the various State Fair entertainment offered through the years. To learn more about the history of the North Carolina State Fair including the enterainment be sure to check out Melton A. McLaurin’s book, The North Carolina State Fair: The First 150 Years. Available at your local public library or visit us at the Government and Heritage Library to view our copy.
View of two cars, part of the Hell Drivers show, as they drive down the North Carolina State Fair racetrack. Courtesy of the North Carolina State Fair Office. From the www.digital.ncdcr.gov, Blue Ribbon Memories.
