The N.C. State Fair is a great place for people of all ages, nationalities and walks of life to create lifelong memories with one another, including church groups. In fact, for Anna Bose and Katie Fisher, current and previous LifeGroup leaders at Overflow Church, the N.C. State Fair is the perfect place to build community and relationships.
For eight consecutive years, the members of the Young Adult/Adult LifeGroup have made a tradition of coming to the N.C. State Fair together. “Since 2018, our group of around fifteen individuals, families and couples have travelled together to the N.C. State Fair,” said Katie Fisher, former leader of the group. “We always come on the last Sunday of the fair, after attending church together that morning.” Overflow Church in Angier currently has four service times on Sunday morning: 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. Their LifeGroup meets at the church directly following the fourth service to carpool together to the fairgrounds. “The N.C. State Fair is the perfect place for a LifeGroup or church group to attend together because there is truly something for everyone,” said Anna Bose, current leader of the group. “Whether you love food, rides, animals, crafts, or simply socializing, the fair has something that can make everyone feel included and have a good time.” Once they arrive on the grounds, their group enters the fair through Gate 7, which is near Smokey Bear, to start their fun day together.
From food and photo ops to rides and competition entries, LifeGroup members take on a variety of things during their four to six hour afternoon at the N.C. State Fair. “Our top priorities are always food and getting a picture with the giant pumpkin,” Bose said. “After that, we usually just see what everyone in our group wants to do and go from there.” Part of being in a LifeGroup is supporting one another, which is exactly what this group does when it comes to competition entries at the fair. Anna Bose in particular has entered several items into the adult crochet category, including this year. “I always drag everyone around to see the items I’ve entered, which are usually displayed in the Commercial and Education buildings,” she said. “Whether I win a ribbon or not, having the full support and encouragement from each member of our group means more to me than I can ever put into words.” Another perk of coming to the fair as a group is the opportunity to share food items, especially when there are so many new ones to try.
As with many fairgoers each year, all members of the LifeGroup look forward to their favorite food items as well as new ones that catch their eye. “The food is one of our favorite things about the fair, and we always eat way too much,” Fisher said. “Some people come in with very specific fair foods they’ve been waiting all year for, but most of the time we just see what looks good and decide what calls to us.” Although occasionally someone will purchase a fair food item just for themselves, most of the time LifeGroup members will graze across the grounds sharing and trying new things together. One of their all-time favorite stops is Peachey’s Donuts, which of course they don’t share. “Everyone needs their own Amish donut,” Fisher said. “They’re just too good to share.” Other items on the LifeGroup’s fair bucket list typically include the Flower & Garden show, FFA Children’s Barnyard and rides.
Throughout the year, the Young Adult/Adult LifeGroup meets bi-weekly to conduct a variety of Bible studies that help members grow in their faith and fellowship with each other. The N.C. State Fair trip often commemorates the end of a specific study, as well as ushers in the holiday season, which can introduce holiday-themed Bible studies. “So much of what we think about when it comes to LifeGroups is doing devotionals, studying the Bible and growing in our faith, which are all incredibly important, but I also think there is so much value in bonding with the people you get to do life with,” Bose said. “After each study, we usually try to do something fun together that allows us to connect and build relationships outside of our normal study time, which the fair is a perfect example of. It gives us the opportunity to laugh, make memories and enjoy being together, which, in my opinion, is what turns a group of people into a true community.” Fisher echoes that sentiment and agrees that memories made at the N.C. State Fair each year bring their LifeGroup closer together. “Walking around the fair as a group has always provided a great opportunity to get to know LifeGroup attendees and deepen relationships,” she said. “There’s always a good laugh, if not several, and memories made that we will bring up year after year.”
If you are a member of a small group, Bible study, or life team at your church, or a part of any large group in the community, Katie and Anna highly recommend attending the N.C. State Fair this year to enjoy a fun day together and strengthen bonds. “A few tricks that have helped us as a large group is to purchase tickets in advance, which saves us both time and money,” Fisher said. “We also try to watch the weather and make sure we attend on a nice day.” According to Bose, the fair is the perfect place to allow groups of all styles to relax, have fun and build relationships. “I think experiences like this help strengthen community and allow people to connect with one another in a more casual environment,” she said. “It could also be a great opportunity to invite someone who may not normally attend your group to come hang out in an environment that helps them feel welcomed and included.” Advance tickets are on sale now through Oct. 15th, both online and walk up at the Dorton Arena Kiosk, Gate 9 off Trinity Road and the State Farmers Market. If you are planning on bringing a large group to the fair this year, plan accordingly and mark your calendars to come make lifelong memories together Oct. 15-25th!
