Author: Tilt-A-Whirl

Jeff Miles interned for the N.C. State Fair in 2011. This is his bio from that year: People usually call me Jeff Miles but when asked what my favorite part of Fair was, rides was the first thing that came to mind--so call me Tilt-A-Whirl from here on out. I've always been a big fan of the State Fair and I'm really excited to be working here this summer. I'll be bringing you weekly updates on the goings on at the fairgrounds and hopefully much more. I can't wait to see you all in October (and hopefully before)!

Weekend Update: December 30-January 1

This weekend at the fairgrounds kicks off with the Raleigh Indoor Holiday Classic at the Hunt Horse Complex. The event is hosted by Triangle Farms and will primarily feature the hunter jumper style. More than 250 cats representing a diversity of breeds will be shown at the 11th Annual “Meowing in the New Year” TICA Cat Show in the Holshouser Building. The event, which will be held Friday through Sunday, will also feature cats available for adoption and a variety of different vendors. In addition, more than 600 vendors from across the Tarheel state will showcase their goods throughout the…

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Weekend Update: December 16-18

A variety of vintage sports trading cards and sports memorabilia will be on display at the Sportscard and Sports Memorabilia 3-Day Show in the Scott Building. The event will feature nearly 100 merchants and will be open Friday through Sunday. In the Graham Building, a variety of vendors will be selling guns, knives, ammo and hunting supplies during the Capital City Gun Show. The show will be held Saturday and Sunday. Saturday, the Showcase of the Stars Cheer Competition will feature the best cheerleaders from schools across the region showcasing their skills and competing for the top prize. The event…

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Weekend Update: December 9-11

UPDATE: THE N.C. POTTERY FAIR HAS BEEN CANCELED THIS YEAR. More than 50 exhibitors from across the state will participate in the second annual N.C. Pottery Fair. Famous potters from Sanford and Seagrove will be among those present. The event will be held in the Holshouser Building Friday through Sunday and will also feature a wine tasting hosted by three N.C. wineries. Carousel Farms of Raleigh will present Bulls, Bells & Barrels in the Hunt Horse Complex Friday and Saturday. Championship bull riding, barrel racing, equestrian-themed holiday shopping and live entertainment guarantee fun for the entire family. Young martial arts…

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Weekend Update: December 3-5

This weekend at the fairgrounds is another busy one. Whether you’re in the mood to shop or browse, explore a new craft or watch a competition, there’s something for everyone. First, visitors can check out three different shows: In the Graham Building and Exposition Center a Classic Car Auction will be held. More than 250 vintage cars will be on display Thursday and Friday. Homemade foods, unique crafts, live entertainment and cultural exhibits will be showcased at the Scandinavian Christmas Fair Friday in the Holshouser Building. The Train Collectors Association will present the Toy Train Sale and Swap Meet Saturday…

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Weekend Update: November 25-27

Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at the N.C. State Fair! We have lots to be thankful for this year, including all of our Deep Fried fans. If football isn’t your idea of fun, head over to the Hunt Horse Complex after finishing your Thanksgiving feast and watch the  Turkey Circuit Quarter Horse Show. Events on Thursday include jumping, trail riding, pole bending and barrel racing. The show starts at 3:30 p.m. and runs through Sunday. If you are looking for unique, handmade gifts for the holidays, the State Fairgrounds is the place to be this weekend with two craft shows. Starting…

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Weekend Update: November 18-20

The RMI Raleigh Benefit Hunter/Jumper Show is already underway at the Hunt Horse Complex. The event benefits the Hunt Seat Equestrian Club at N.C. State University and the U.S. Equine Rescue League, which cares for neglected or abused horses across the nation. Shows will continue through Sunday. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the Women’s Club of Raleigh will host its annual Antiques Show and Sale in the Scott Building. The show will feature vendors from across the East Coast selling period furniture, fine jewelry, silver, folk art and other antiques. There also will be a special lecture about pearls held Friday…

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Weekend Update: November 11-13

The Duke Children’s Hospital Benefit Hunter/Jumper Classic began Tuesday in the Hunt Horse Complex and continues through Sunday. The Classic benefits offers a behind-the-scenes look at how horses are cared for, trained and shown in addition to actual competitions. More than 125 vendors will be showcasing classic cars at the Carolina Collector Auto Fest. The event runs Friday through Sunday in the Dorton Arena, Graham Building and Exposition Center. The Carolina Coin and Stamp Show takes place in the Holshouser Building Saturday and Sunday. Dealers will be selling foreign, domestic and ancient currency, postcards and stamps.  Admission is free. Saturday…

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Weekend Update: November 4-6

Though the fair has come and passed, there is still plenty going on at the fairgrounds this weekend. Handbell ringers from several states will come together in Scott Building Friday and Saturday for the Capital Area Handbell Festival. The event will be hosted by the Raleigh Ringers. Running Friday through Sunday, visitors can check out: The Junior Woman’s Club Fall Furniture Consignment Sale in the Holshouser Building. The event will feature furniture, rugs, lamps, artwork and more. The NCHJA “C” Indoors Horse Show hosted by Triangle Farms. The show will showcase riders in the Hunter Jumper style in the Hunt…

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Tobacco auction celebrates N.C. culture and heritage

The mock tobacco auction, a relatively recent addition to the fair’s lineup, was held in the Expo Center earlier today. The auction celebrates the importance of tobacco to North Carolina’s economy and the important role the crop continues to play in the Tarheel state’s culture and heritage. Though tobacco is now sold primarily through contracts between farmers and tobacco companies, auctions were the primary method of tobacco trade between 1859 and 2004. Check out the video below to see a part of today’s activities. A fair tradition since 2005, this year’s auction included the participation of a Chinese trade delegation…

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Food review: Kimmy’s Cupcakes

While the fair may be famous for its deep-fried creations, the baked treats at Kimmy’s Cupcakes in Kiddieland are a must-have for any fairgoer with even the smallest sweet tooth. Based out of Minnesota, Kimmy’s Cupcakes has been a hit at fairs around the country and is making its debut this year at the N.C. State Fair. To see what all the buzz was about, Baby Goat and I tried a couple of cupcakes and wrote a review. Check out the video below to see what we thought. The best thing about Kimmy’s Cupcakes is how fresh they taste. Each…

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