Author: 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.

Making a name in N.C. agriculture at Cottle Farms

The Farm Family of the Day program is a new addition to the N.C. State Fair. The program recognizes 11 farm families – one for every day of the State Fair – who work hard everyday to impact our state’s agriculture industry. Families either nominated themselves or were nominated by members of the community. Thanks to Tractor Supply Company for sponsoring the program, which will run from Oct. 14-24. Five generations of history in agriculture is currently being made at Cottle Farms in Faison. Since 1964, the Cottle family has been producing a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, creating…

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Woman-owned Haynes farm aims for the blue at the fair

The Farm Family of the Day program is a new addition to the N.C. State Fair. The program recognizes 11 farm families – one for every day of the State Fair – who work hard everyday to impact our state’s agriculture industry. Families either nominated themselves or were nominated by members of the community. Thanks to Tractor Supply Company for sponsoring the program, which will run from Oct. 14-24. Haynes Farm in Dobson is a fourth generation family farm that has a rich history of farming in our state and has diversified many times through the years. Where the farm…

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Gillis Family Farm celebrates nine generations through farming and agritourism

The Farm Family of the Day program is a new addition to the N.C. State Fair. The program recognizes 11 farm families – one for every day of the State Fair – who work hard everyday to impact our state’s agriculture industry. Families either nominated themselves or were nominated by members of the community. Thanks to Tractor Supply Company for sponsoring the program, which will run from Oct. 14-24. Gillis Family Farm, located in western Cumberland County, dates back to the mid-1700’s and spans over nine generations of the Gillis family. In fact, the newest member of the ninth generation,…

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N.C. Wildlife takes on the N.C. State Fair

The N.C. Wildlife booth is a fan favorite at the N.C. State Fair each year because of the fun, collectible buttons they feature inside their booth. This year, however, they will not only be expanding their location, but they will have two buttons available for visitors! The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission not only preserves the wildlife resources and habitats in our state, but also provides education, outreach and programs that protect the animals in our state and allow citizens to enjoy outdoor-recreational activities. Tammy Rundle, Industry, Events, & Giving Coordinator, has been working with the Wildlife Resources Commission for over…

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Nearly 100 local musical acts featured on State Fair stages

Every year, musicians from across the state take to the Waterfall Stage at the N.C. State Fair to entertain fairgoers and share their music. This year the stage is sponsored by Live and Local powered by Curtis Media Group, creating a great place for artists to showcase their music to a wide and diversified audience. Fairgoers can enjoy just about any genre of music, including country, hip-hop and rock. And, the music is part of the free grounds entertainment at the fair. The N.C. State Fair prides itself every year on showcasing the best of North Carolina from agriculture, food…

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Got To Be NC takes on a new look and feel at the 2021 N.C. State Fair

The Got To Be NC tent at the N.C. State Fair is a sought after attraction each year. From delicious food products, like Bob’s Smokin’ Southern BBQ and Zulia’s Bakery, to other locally made products, like soap from Blinking Toad Workshop, the Got To Be NC area is a fair favorite to vendors and attendees alike. This year, vendors will take on a larger space in the Dorton Arena, aka the Got To Be NC Pavilion! Dorton Arena is the most iconic building on the N.C. State fairgrounds in Raleigh and sits proudly in the middle of all the action…

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Jumping for the blue: Inside the ring of the Hunter Jumper horse shows at the N.C. State Fairgrounds

In the hunter jumper world, the common phrase “going for the gold” transforms to “jumping for the blue,” as in the coveted first place ribbon. Every year farms from around the state bring their best horses and riders to compete in the Hunter Jumper shows and derby at the N.C. State Fairgrounds. Hunter jumping is a style of English horseback riding where both horse and rider are judged on accuracy, form, consistency and demeanor while performing a series of jump courses. “So much of horseback riding is mental and both parties affect the other, meaning the horse affects the rider…

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Purchase from Farrell Farms & impact future generations

One North Carolina business in the Got to Be N.C. tent at the N.C. State Fair is helping make lives better for kids in Bolivia. Proceeds from the sale of their pecans, peanuts and snack mixes support their efforts at the KW Methodist Children’s Home in La Paz, Bolivia. Thirteen thousand feet up in the Andes Mountains, kids in Bolivia suffer from homelessness, cold and hunger. “Most kids live in situations where they have been abused and abandoned,” says Frank Farrell, “and come from homes where drug and alcohol abuse are prevalent.” According to Farrell, these children get up early…

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Fun at the Fair: Fudge Family Tradition

“Hey Grandma!” That is the greeting Wanda Loudermilk looks forward to each year at the fair. In 1962, at 31 years old, Wanda drove her station wagon into the fairgrounds and sold Amish fudge and cheese. With a recipe passed down through many generations, Wanda was unaware of the lasting impression she would carry 58 years later. “The first fair I ever attended as a vendor was the N.C. State Fair”, Wanda said, “and I loved it.” According to her daughter Rhonda, she would even cook lunch for the other vendors in her area throughout the duration of the fair….

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