Jane Deere

My name is Rebecca, but around here, you can call me Jane Deere. My love for the State Fair and all that it brings - John Deere tractors, the barbecue sundae and Midway lights at night - is what landed me here. After interning in 2013, I'm back with the Deep Fried crew to enjoy the fair for a few days.

A love affair

Jane Deere October 13 October 12

What keeps Gail and Grant Simons at the Root Beer Cart coming back for their 32nd year at the N.C. State Fair? It’s a true love affair. “We love fairs, we love people and these are our friends,” Grant says. “That’s as good a reason as any to keep coming back every year.” Celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary, the dynamic duo is still at it, serving their famous root beer out of their red and white striped tent all over the east coast. “We start in July and go to six fairs in New York,” Gail said. “Then, we slowly…

Anniversary quilt at the N.C. Museum of History

Jane Deere November 6 November 6

As the 2013 N.C. State Fair wrapped up, a special commemorative quilt created to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the first fair moved to a temporary new home at the N.C. Museum of History. FFA and 4-H chapters from 36 counties submitted quilt squares for the project, and quilting volunteers and attendees at the N.C. State Fair this year helped sew the squares together in the Village of Yesteryear. Lisa McCarty of Clayton, Carol Ditto of Garner and Jane Pace of Archer Lodge pieced the squares together by making the top of the quilt and then putting it on the quilt…

The interns take on fair freebies

Jane Deere October 27 October 27

Throughout the week, our Facebook fans have submitted suggestions of challenges Cowbelle and I, Jane Deere, could complete at the fair. Ideas ranged from eating fried frog legs and learning from Wacky Wheeler to playing the Fool the Guesser game and milking cows. The final idea, given by the Deep Fried Crew, was to take to the fairgrounds looking for every freebie we could find. Fair Freebie Challenge rules were as follows: We had to leave and return to the Press Office within one hour exactly. No golf carts or other transportation could be used to manevuer the grounds. Interns had to stay…

Make your trip to the fair a love a-fair

Jane Deere October 23 October 23

Funhouse and I collaborated on what would be the perfect fair date. We’ve come up with five things you must do on a date at the N.C. State Fair. Start your visit with a stroll through the Flower Show. The Flower Show is a beautiful oasis at the fairgrounds. You and your date can come take a stroll through the winding paths of gardens and get your photo taken on the giant Adirondack chair built for two. If you wait until dark, the Flower Show is lit up with luminaries, adding a little romance to the air. The Flower and Garden Show is…

(Intern) challenge accepted

Jane Deere October 22 October 22

In a typical workplace, the interns usually do the necessary-but-mundane office tasks and “grunt work.” At the N.C. State Fair, the Deep Fried Crew is careful to make sure interns get fully immersed in every aspect of fair promotions. To help us earn our State Fair stripes, the Deep Fried Crew cooked up an intern challenge “opportunity” where Facebook fans get to suggest things for us to do. Check out our Facebook page to make suggestions and to vote for your favorite adventure for us. It’s safe to say that Cowbelle and I will go through the ringer of audience-voted challenges, covering everything from rides…

A rookie at the Sale of Champions

Jane Deere October 19 October 19

Before covering the junior livestock Sale of Champions this year, I had never been to a livestock auction. I knew that the Sale of Champions was the auction of junior livestock grand and reserve grand champion steer, barrows, lambs, goats and turkeys. Beyond that, I didn’t know what to expect. Inside the Jim Graham Building, it took me a few seconds to acclimate to the sounds and smells of the animals, as bleating goats and mooing cows are not something I hear very often. The show ring was set up nicely for the auction, with a small seating area reserved for N.C….

Tobacco stringing contest winners announced

Jane Deere October 18 October 18

The seventh annual tobacco stringing contest was in full swing this afternoon. Sixteen teams of three competed for bragging rights and cash prizes. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler congratulated winners and presented prizes in front of the barn in Heritage Circle where the tobacco will cure for the next week. The Granville County Loopers took first place for the second year in a row, winning $250. The Dudley Loopers came in second and earned $150. Third place and $100 went to the Jackson Trio of Zebulon. The Jackson Trio won first place in 2011.

The Village of Yesteryear comes together

Jane Deere October 16 October 16

Since 1951, the Village of Yesteryear has been part of the N.C. State Fair, showcasing heritage crafts by local artisans. Inside the Holshouser Building, the village is taking shape as craftsmen work to set up their booths. Some craftsmen, such as Duane Raver, have been in the Village of Yesteryear for many years. Raver has been in the Village for the past 32 years showing his wildlife art. Raver was an artist for and editor of the Wildlife in North Carolina Magazine for 20 years. Raver is undeniably talented, and we’re grateful to have him in the Village again this year. …

Tips for first-time fairgoers

Jane Deere October 15 October 15

We hope everyone has been to the State Fair at least once, but with so many newcomers to the state we figure there are some people who may have never been. Coming to the fair for the first time can be a little overwhelming, and as our fair veterans know, there is a way to do it right. We asked our Facebook fans to help newcomers out by suggesting their favorite parts of the fair. Top 10 Fair Musts, as offered by State Fair fans: “Get some Al’s fries! They are the best!” “Buy your ride tickets NOW while they…

Author: Jane Deere