2013 N.C. State Fair

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…

The verdict is YUM

Firecracker October 14 October 16

We hosted the annual Media Preview lunch today in Dorton Arena where we give our media friends a sneak peek at what’s new at the fair, including the food. Our friends from the Murphy House concession stands fried us up some of the new items. Take a look at what Firecracker and Flying Bob had to say about them: And check out the other foods that are new to the fair this year in this blog post.

It’s all about the food

Firecracker October 12 October 12

The annual Media Preview Lunch is on Monday, which means we will announce the new deep fried foods from folks in the Grandstand concession stand (aka Deep Fried Heaven). To hold you over until then, here’s a look at a few things we’ve already announced via Facebook and Instagram: 1. Eastern-style pulled-pork BBQ with homemade coleslaw deep fried in an egg roll wrap and served with a tangy BBQ sauce. Check out Woody’s down the hill to the Midway entrance nearest Dorton Arena. 2. Brinkley’s is doing a sour candy apple…Crushed warheads on a Granny Smith apple. Find Brinkley’s across…

It’s the Giant Pumpkin!

Funhouse October 12 October 15

Earlier this morning the giant pumpkin arrived at the Exposition Center for its 11-day reign over the N.C. State Fair horticultural exhibits. This 799.6-pound pumpkin belongs to Jack and Pat Bacheler of Clayton. Jack planted the pumpkin in June and spent about and hour and a half a day six days a week training the vines to form the root system needed to support a pumpkin of this size. The pumpkin was certified two weeks ago at the Yadkin Valley Pumpkin Festival in Elkin. If no other larger pumpkins come in, the Bacheler’s will take home the $300 prize money…

Ready. Set. Bring your entries!

Funhouse October 11 October 11

Entries started going into place today for several competitive-exhibit departments at the fair. Potential prize-winners dropped off their artwork, woodwork, prized quilts and other entries that will be judged before the fair’s opening on Thursday, Oct. 17. Entries are up 43 percent this year, with the largest increase in the flower and garden department, followed by the 4-H and beer departments.

Artist Spotlight: Eli Young Band

Jane Deere October 9 October 7

When Mike Eli and James Young were “living the dream” in college their freshman year, I wonder if they ever envisioned turning those dreams into such a big reality on the country music scene. Whether they thought it would ever happen or not, the pair has gradually built a strong following, touring with country stars such as Miranda Lambert and gaining national attention on CMT and GMT. All the while, the band continued to focus on songwriting, which paid off with the No. 1 hit, “Crazy Girl,” in 2011 and the 2012 Academy of Country Music Award’s Song of the…

Weekend Update: Oct. 4-6

Jane Deere October 4 October 4

With the N.C. State Fair right around the corner, there will not be any outside events happening on the fairgrounds through October. The buildings and grounds are being prepped for the fair, which runs Oct 17-27. This weekend, the N.C. State Fair Horse Shows begin with the Hunter Jumper show. The State Fair Horse Shows are one of the largest all-breed shows in the country, requiring more than 11 days to get all the shows in. The shows are in the Hunt Horse Complex and start daily at 8 a.m. Spectator admission is free. Savings-minded fairgoers can purchase admission and…

Artist Spotlight: MercyMe

Jane Deere September 25 August 5

Christian music powerhouse MercyMe will be returning to the N.C. State Fair on Oct. 25. MercyMe has been a longtime favorite among Christian music fans, but has also gathered widespread mainstream recognition with its 2002 hit “I Can Only Imagine.” The catchy lyrics illustrate what it might be like to finally meet God: “Will I stand in your presence, or to my knees will I fall? Will I sing hallelujah; will I be able to speak at all? I can only imagine.” The group was founded in 1994 and signed with a record label in 2001. Since then, MercyMe has…

Artist Spotlight: Who’s Bad, the Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band

Funhouse September 18 August 5

Dust off your moon-walking shoes and glide on in to Dorton Arena on Thursday, Oct. 24, for Who’s Bad, the Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band. Who’s Bad is the longest-running Michael Jackson tribute band and the only one to predate Jackson’s untimely passing in 2009. Although I might date myself to admit this, as a child I had a white glove keychain and listened to the new Michael Jackson “Thriller” album over and over on my pink cassette player. I liked the catchy lyrics and awesome beat. Even as a child, I knew Michael Jackson was a legend. I think…

Artist Spotlight: Dailey & Vincent

Jane Deere September 11 September 11

I must admit, I’ve never been much of a bluegrass fan, but it’s safe to say that after listening to Dailey & Vincent, I’ve been converted. The band is clearly after more than popular, mainstream recognition; it seeks true artistry and authenticity in its music. Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent founded the group in 2007 and have been entertaining with a unique blend of harmonic vocals and instrumentals ever since. The pair is joined by four other band members to create an authentically bluegrass experience. This band is undoubtedly talented; each member is a gifted musician with a slew of…

Category: 2013 N.C. State Fair