RALEIGH – Uncertain economic times brought people to the state fairgrounds Monday in a search for a job at the 2008 State Fair.

At 6.9 percent, North Carolina's unemployment rate is the highest it's been in six years.

And that's what prompted some tempers to flare as people stood in a long line for hours looking for work.

But Medard Irakoze said the long lines are worth the wait. He has four children, a live-in girlfriend and no job.

"I fill out like eight applications a day, hoping for someone to call me, nobody ever calls me," Irakoze said. "Sometimes I stand on top of the street hoping someone pick me up for yard work or something anything to get money."

The North Carolina Employment Security Commission has teamed up with fair officials to help people like Irakoze find temporary work at the event.

But it won't be easy.

Although about 1,000 people are expected to apply, only 450 will get hired. Still, the ESC encourages job seekers to keep trying.

"We do notice some turnover in jobs, which is why we stay opened through the end of the fair," said ESC spokesperson Larry Parker.

Crystal Upchurch, 18, said if she doesn't get hired the first time, she'll keep coming back.

"I can't expect my mamma to buy everything because she can't always do that. She's got bills to pay. She's got to put food on the table for us," she said. "And being that we live in a low-income housing establishment, it's not really helping."

The Employment Security Commission office will stay open at the state fairgrounds until the last day of the event on Oct. 26.

For more information call (919)733-4329.