The N.C. State Fair kicks off in a few months, but there’s a ton of preparation already in motion. We’ll bring you behind-the-scenes interviews with fairgrounds employees working to bring you “A Whole Lotta Happy” when the gates open Thursday, Oct. 15.
Every year during the N.C. State Fair, the Gov. James B. Hunt Jr. Horse Complex is full of activity as it hosts the N.C. State Fair Horse Show. The two-part event includes the N.C. State Fair Hunter Jumper Show, Sept. 30-Oct. 4, and the N.C. State Fair Horse Show, Oct. 12-25. The show is one of 90 horse shows and meetings held at the Hunt Horse Complex during the year. Dale Barnett, the new manager at the complex, is responsible for coordinating those events, maintaining the facilities and educating the public.
Before joining the staff in December, Dale worked at Murray State University and Midway College in Kentucky. He was also show manager for the Texas Quarter Horse Association and manager of the Equine Educational Unit at N.C. State University’s Department of Animal Science. Dale holds a master’s degree in animal science from the University of Kentucky.
Recently, I met with Dale to learn more about what we can expect for this year’s show.
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