Rollercoaster

"Life is short, so do the things you love with the people you love." Rollercoaster is the fair-themed nickname for Taylor Harris, an information and communications specialist in the Public Affairs Division of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. An alumni of N.C. State University and former Marketing and Sales Assistant with Scott Farms, a sixth-generation family farm out of Lucama, NC, she is no stranger to the world of agriculture. Football and singing are her biggest passions. While at the fair, her "must do" items are a pineapple smoothie from Tropical Delight and a ride on the Fireball, now referred to as F5.

Feeling the heat: Behind-the-scenes with Ember Fire Arts

Rollercoaster October 21 October 20

As a fire performer, Amber Kornegay, owner and performer for Ember Fire Arts, often walks the line between being intriguing for people and seeming intimidating. However, at the heart of it all she is a simple girl with a passion for fire. We sat down with Amber and asked her ten questions that people are often afraid to ask her, but always curious to know the answer to. Catch one of her shows at the N.C. State Fair either at 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. down in Heritage Circle and keep reading to learn all about her passion, show and…

A hidden gem at the N.C. State Fair: The Church in Heritage Circle

Rollercoaster October 18 October 17

The Historic Chapel in the Heritage Village at the N.C. State Fair, is a hidden gem amongst the food, rides, games and more. Each weekend of the N.C. State Fair, the North Carolina Campers on Mission host two church services on Sunday morning(s) for staff and fairgoers alike to attend. Whether you need a breath of prayer, a word of encouragement or a touch from the Holy Spirit, the Historic Chapel in Heritage Village is the place to spend Sunday morning at the fairgrounds. In 1857, the Historic Chapel in Heritage Village was known as the home of Ephesus Church…

Blending Heritage and Culture at Broadslab Distillery

Rollercoaster October 11 September 29

Nestled in the heart of Benson, sits a distillery steeped in agricultural heritage and North Carolina history. Growing up on a farm, Jeremy Norris, owner and master distiller at Broadslab, learned a lot about farming and distilling at the hands of his grandfather. “Back before this place became a distillery, my grandparents grew a variety of produce on the farm,” he said. “I learned a lot at the hands of my grandfather that has helped me throughout my farming career, including how to grow and harvest crops and how to make moonshine.” As many North Carolinians know, our state has…

Finding all things local inside the Got to Be NC Pavilion at the N.C. State Fair

Rollercoaster October 10 October 3

The Got to Be NC Pavilion is taking on its third year inside Dorton Arena at the 2023 N.C. State Fair with lots of new and exciting vendors, merchandise, entertainment and more! Check out all the exciting details below and be sure to stop by this year to find a variety of local products that you enjoy. The Pavilion will be open each day from 9 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. with the exception of opening day, Thursday, Oct. 12th, when it will open at 12 p.m. New Vendors & Products The Pavilion will host six new vendors along with many…

Wild Horse event galloping toward Raleigh

Rollercoaster July 25 July 25

A big event for equine lovers is coming to Raleigh for the very first time this August! The Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Event, hosted by the U.S Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management Wild Horse and Burro Program, is coming to the Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. Horse Complex at the N.C. State Fairgrounds on August 17-19. With 75-100 animals available, according to event manager Demetris Sanders, it’s an event that horse and donkey lovers across the state don’t want to miss! The Bureau of Land Management protects wild horses and burros across 26.9 million acres of…

A passion instilled at birth leads to young farmer career in agriculture

Rollercoaster May 21 May 5

This is the second year of the Young Farmer of the Day program at the Got To Be N.C. Festival. This program, sponsored by AgCarolina Farm Credit and AgSouth Farm Credit, recognizes three young farmers who work hard everyday to impact our state’s agriculture industry & blaze the trail for a strong future. Individuals either nominated themselves or were nominated by members of the community. One young farmer will be recognized each day of the Got To Be N.C. Festival, taking place May 19-21, 2023 at the N.C. State Fairgrounds! Cooper Little has been a farm boy ever since he…

Changing Hearts and Lives at Jewels of Health Farm

Rollercoaster May 20 May 5

Young Farmer takes pride in feeding the community and telling her ag story

Rollercoaster May 19 May 5

Showcasing local pride at the N.C. State Fair

Rollercoaster October 9 October 7

Nearly fifty vendors will fill up Dorton Arena, also known as the Got To Be N.C. Pavilion, this year at the 2022 N.C. State Fair! As the most popular and well-known building on the grounds, Dorton Arena is the perfect place to showcase local pride, products and talent. Throughout the fair, taking place this year October 13-23, vendors will rotate in and out of the Got To Be N.C. Pavilion, to offer a diverse sampling of what our state has to offer. Each year, vendors in the Pavilion sign up either for the starting half of the fair, last half…

“Ag”vocating for the Industry at Williams Produce Farm

Rollercoaster May 22 June 22

The Young Farmer of the Day program is a new addition to the Got To Be N.C. Festival. The program, sponsored by Farm Credit, recognizes three young farmers who work hard everyday to impact our state’s agriculture industry & blaze the trail for a strong future. Individuals either nominated themselves or were nominated by members of the community. One young farmer will be recognized each day of the Got To Be N.C. Festival, taking place May 20-22, 2022 at the N.C. State Fairgrounds! For over 100 years, the Williams family has been growing a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables…

Author: Rollercoaster