CONCORD – Cabarrus County is ending fair operations three days early in preparation for the impact of Hurricane Florence.

Today is the fair’s last day, with gates open 4-10 p.m.

It was originally planned to run through Saturday.

The early closure will give workers enough time to safely breakdown equipment before weather conditions deteriorate, said Cabarrus County Fair Manager Kate Sharpe.

“We must consider the safety of our visitors, volunteers, county staff, Powers Midway workers and other vendors and exhibitors,” said Sharpe. “There are extra considerations that must be made to tear down safely within the narrowing timeframe.”

Competitive exhibitors must pick up fair entries on Thursday by 8 p.m..

Cabarrus emergency officials continue to coordinate with local, state and federal partners in preparing for the storm’s potential impacts, said Bobby Smith, director of Cabarrus County Emergency Management. Residents should pay close attention to official weather alerts from the National Weather Service, Smith added.