Jeanie Groh was the 2012 N.C. State Fair intern. Here's her bio from 2012: My name is Jeanie Groh, but y’all can call me “Honey Bee.” Why? Because my absolute favorite part of the North Carolina State Fair is the honey cotton candy. I am a Raleigh native and have been to the State Fair 18 out of 21 years of my life. I’m really excited to be the State Fair public relations intern this summer! I’ll be keeping you up to date with the latest news and fun facts about the State Fair, so keep an eye out for more updates on this blog.

Artist Spotlight: Jason Michael Carroll

Scotty McCreery won’t be the only North Carolina native performing in Dorton Arena’s concert lineup at the N.C. State Fair. Youngsville’s own country star, Jason Michael Carroll, will be making an appearance as well. In 2007, Carroll released his first album and shot up the charts with singles “Alyssa Lies” and “Livin’ Our Love Song.” His second album, released in 2008, featured “Hurry Home” and “Where I’m From.” Carroll’s most recent hit, “Numbers,” is the title track of his newest album, which was released just last year. While “Numbers” includes almost every element of a stereotypical country song—football, America, a…

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Artist Spotlight: Jake Owen

Country artist Jake Owen will be performing at the N.C. State Fair on Saturday, Oct. 13.  Owen, who entered the country music scene in 2006, quickly made a name for himself with hits such as “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” “Alone With You” and “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You.” The Florida native, like so many other singers, moved to Nashville with a guitar and a dream. But unlike many others, he was almost an immediate success. Within months of moving to Nashville, Jake had landed a contract. He recorded his first album, “Startin’ with Me,” and quickly followed it up…

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Artist Spotlight: Matthew West and Sanctus Real

Matthew West, a Dove Award-winning contemporary Christian singer and songwriter, has released eight albums since his start as an independent artist in the late 1990s. Four of his songs have peaked at No. 1 on the Christian charts. What I love about West’s music is his sincerity, vulnerability and honesty. He’s not afraid to bring up difficult subjects. His lyrics challenge listeners to make changes to the way they live their lives to more accurately reflect their Christian faith. In his song “My Own Little World,” West explores the apathy many people experience to the plight of the world around…

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It’s time for Honey Bee to buzz away

It’s hard to believe that today is my last day as the N.C. State Fair public affairs intern through the N.C. State Government Internship Program. Time certainly has flown. I’ve been as busy as a bee all summer long, and I can’t believe it’s already over. This summer, I have had a chance to do and learn so many different things. Along the way, I’ve written some press releases and blog posts. I’ve done some tweeting and Facebook-ing, taken some pictures, made some

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Artist Spotlight: Scotty McCreery

I’ve never been a fan of “American Idol.” I don’t dislike the show; I’ve just never really had a chance to get hooked. But on May 25, 2011, like many others from this area, I was glued to my TV screen for the “American Idol” Season 10 finale for the tight competition between Lauren Alaina and Garner native Scotty McCreery. Alaina and McCreery are both incredibly talented country singers (one of my favorite genres), but everything in me wanted McCreery to win. First of all, there’s that deep, resonant, Josh Turner-like voice. Then, there’s the feeling of pride that comes…

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Announcing the 2012 N.C. State Fair Concert Lineup

It’s hard to believe I’m already a month into my internship. Time flies when you’re having fun, and believe me, I’m having fun. Last week, we shot a video to announce our concert lineup for the N.C. State Fair. So, watch this video, get excited and buy your tickets on Aug. 1. Ready. Set. Go! Here’s a recap in case you missed it on the video: Thursday, Oct. 11: Varsity Vocal Showcase, $10 Friday, Oct. 12: Matthew West and Sanctus Real, $10 Saturday, Oct. 13: Jake Owen, $10 Sunday, Oct. 14: Hot Chelle Rae, $15 Monday, Oct. 15: Scotty McCreery,…

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Introducing another fair fanatic

I stumbled across the N.C. State Fair Public Affairs internship by chance, but I immediately knew that was exactly where I wanted to be this summer.  I retouched my resume, wrote a cover letter and filled out the application in record time.  Then I waited. And waited.  Finally, I got a phone call telling me I had made it to the interview stage of the North Carolina Youth Advocacy and Involvement State Government Internship Program.  I interviewed for two internships and began the waiting process again.  I enjoyed both interviews, but after talking with Merrie Go Round, I knew the…

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