2014 N.C. State Fair

Behind the scenes: 1,163 bottles of wine on the wall

Funhouse October 7 October 7

Last week at the N.C. State University Club in Raleigh, judging took place for the 2014 N.C. State Fair wine competition. This year saw large participation with 47 of the state’s wineries and 29 amateur wine makers submitting entries. The Deep Fried Crew got a chance to go behind the scenes of this closed-door competition to see what the panel of expert judges look for when judging wines. Setting up for the wine competition involves putting wines in flights based on their category. Wines are grouped together by class, either commercial or amateur, and by category. Categories include white, red,…

Artist Spotlight: Tamela Mann

Firecracker October 2 October 7

A lot of people may be most familiar with Tamela Mann as the character Cora Simmons in the Tyler Perry movie and sitcom, “Meet the Browns” and other Madea movies. But this Dove Award nominee is first and foremost a gospel singer, and a strong one, at that. She got her start with the incomparable Kirk Franklin, singing on five albums, before going solo in 2009. Her biggest hit, “Take Me to the King,” also earned her a 2013 Grammy nomination for Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance. On her biography, she says she loves touring and ministering to people all…

Disney Channel fans have opportunity to see the McClain Sisters perform featuring China Anne McClain

Merrie Go Round September 25 September 25

Sisters China Anne, Sierra and Lauryn McClain have been living their dream of performing since 2005, when they recorded the song “Silly Games,” which was produced by their father. The McClain Sisters are likely no strangers to fans of the Disney Channel. China Anne McClain has appeared in numerous Disney Channel shows such as “A.N.T. Farm,” “Hannah Montana,” “Jonas L.A.” and “Wizards of Waverly Place.” She has also starred in “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” and “NCIS,” and was the winner of ABC’s “Sing Your Face Off” in 2014. China Anne is not the only actress in the group. Sierra…

How to be “In the know” about the 2014 NC State Fair

Firecracker September 24 September 24

This summer, I was a bit taken aback when I realized that the San Diego County Fair had just ended. And I hadn’t even realized it was going on. That was a big faux pas on my part. My sister-in-law grew up at that fair, and her parents are still heavily involved there. Most importantly, I thought, I follow the fair on Facebook. But none of their posts seemed to make it into my newsfeed over its 18-day run. That’s when I realized that when the N.C. State Fair starts next month, there is a possibility that a large percentage…

Introducing Jose Silva, Hunt Horse Complex facilities maintenance coordinator

Funhouse September 22 September 19

When most people think of the N.C. State Fair, they think of food, rides, games, giant pumpkins and livestock shows. When Jose Silva thinks of the fair, he thinks horses. Matter of fact, as a facilities maintenance coordinator at the Hunt Horse Complex, Jose thinks horses all year long. “I am involved with everything that goes into making sure the barns are clean,” Silva said. “Sometimes we just have about four hours between shows to clean the stalls and make sure there are no nails.” Silva has worked at the Hunt Horse Complex since 2002. With an average of 58…

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts rock out Dorton Arena on Sunday, Oct. 26

Funhouse September 17 September 18

Nobody sits down during a Joan Jett show. It’s high-energy rock that brings fans to their feet and admiration for a woman who has truly been rocking out for almost 40 years. Even the most casual of fans will recognize Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ 1982 hit “I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll.” The song spent seven weeks at No. 1, and even more than 30 years later people can sing along with the iconic lyrics. “Singing I love rock and roll, so put another dime in the jukebox,baby. I love rock and roll, so come and take your time and…

CMA nominee for vocal duo of the year Love and Theft performing Monday, Oct. 20

Fried Oreo September 11 September 25

Love and Theft, the two-man band made up of Stephen Barker Liles and Eric Gunderson, hit the ground running when their first single, “Runaway,” made it to the Top 10. The band, formed in 2006 and signed to Carolwood Records in 2009, was the opening act for Taylor Swift’s 2009 tour. And as every dedicated Taylor Swift fan like myself knows, Love and Theft’s Stephen Liles is who she is singing about in her song “Hey Stephen.” “Dancing in Circles,” from their debut album reached the Top 40, peaking at number 25. They followed up with a second single, “Angel…

Vanilla Ice has mad DIY skillz

Flying Bob August 28 August 27

Each week until the start of the State Fair, the Deep Fried Crew will highlight one of the 2014 Dorton Arena entertainers. Tickets for all concerts and advance admission and ride tickets are on sale online here. Get your tickets early to save time and money, and to reserve your seat for your favorite Dorton Arena performer. Check out this year’s lineup here. This week we highlight rapper Vanilla Ice, whose album “To the Extreme” was released on Aug. 28, 1990. I envy Vanilla Ice. And not because he used a sample of a classic rock song to create one…

Introducing Fair Employee Eleanor Upchurch

Funhouse August 25 August 25

For Eleanor Upchurch, stopping to smell the roses is just a pleasant bonus to her job. During the fair, Upchurch works as an assistant to the flower show superintendent. “My main responsibilities are assisting the judges when needed, getting employees the supplies they need, and making sure things run on schedule.” She loves her job and sometimes can’t believe that she gets paid to work. Her work supports the busiest general competition show at the fair. Last year, the flower show had 4,402 exhibits spread out over three shows and offered almost $40,000 in prize money. Upchurch stays busy receiving…

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