2018 N.C. State Fair

Growing up in the Village of Yesteryear

Teacup September 24 September 24

Instead of having visions of sugar plums, Emily Fleenor and Sara Gatilogo dreamed of making corn shuck dolls and painting eggshells throughout their childhood. Fleenor and Gatilogo are the granddaughters of Jim Trantham, an instrument maker in the Village of Yesteryear who served as director for many years. At a young age, the kids and their father, Doug, formed a family band using Trantham’s handmade banjos, guitars and ancient instruments such as dulcimers. Their booth in the Village featured these items for sale, along with CDs they had made of their music. When the girls were seven or eight years…

Conservators are ‘hooked’ on Blackbeard’s pirate ship

Teacup September 21 September 21

This year marks the 300th anniversary of the infamous pirate Blackbeard’s shipwreck and beheading at sea, but conservators at the Queen Anne’s Revenge lab in Greenville are still uncovering preserved artifacts like it was just yesterday. This weekend, the N.C. Museum of History hosts City of Oaks Pirate Fest. Read below about our pirate exhibit at last year’s fair. And check out the Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean near Gate 11 at the Fair this year! At the 150th State Fair in 2017, the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources used the upcoming anniversary to create a traveling exhibit…

The bear, the myth, the legend: An interview with Smokey Bear

Teacup September 20 September 21

Smokey, how did you become an icon for wildfire prevention? The idea for wildfire prevention started in the spring of 1942 during World War II. People were afraid they would start wildfires, and with so many off fighting the war, there were only a few folks left to battle the fires at home. The idea was to prevent as many wildfires as possible, so the Forest Service started the campaign with posters that read, “Forest Fires Aid the Enemy” and “Our Carelessness, Their Secret Weapon.’’ In 1944, Disney gave them permission to use characters from the film “Bambi” for one…

Taste of the Fair

Fried Oreo September 19 September 20

We’ve got a delicious way to help you get ready for the N.C. State Fair! The first-ever ‘Taste of the State Fair’ events will be held at four locations across the region. Attendees will be able to sample fair-food favorites for free with any advance purchase of N.C. State Fair tickets. Food truck vendors will be serving tasty crowd favorites such as deep-fried Oreos, chicken and waffle tacos and Krispy Kreme burgers. Menu items will vary by location. Attendees will also be able to purchase food separately. “This is a great way to raise awareness for the N.C. State Fair…

The Fair has ticket packages for every type of Fan

Funhouse September 7 September 7

Football, pumpkin spice and the traditional school year have all returned – which must mean that the N.C. State Fair is right around the corner. Save time in line, money and plan a fabulous fair trip with these packages. The are designed for every type of fairgoer: The Fair Mega Fan: Ok. You may be our favorite type of fairgoer. You are the one that looks forward to opening day, pours over the daily schedule checking out this year’s cool new stuff and would never ever make other plans because, well, the fair’s in town. The Mega Fan Mini…

So you want to be a beekeeper?

Teacup August 23 September 6

Eighteen-year-old Molly Carlson makes it look easy. Carlson, a Cary native, started keeping bees in 2012 when she found her passion through a 4-H youth program. Ever since, she has been working hard to maintain as many as 20 hives at once and educate others about the importance of bees – all while juggling classes and homework. “It takes a lot of commitment,” she said. “You can’t just go in once a year and check on your hives – you have to constantly be on top of everything.” As she spent more time with the little insects, Carlson decided bees…

What’s new at the 2018 N.C. State Fair competitions?

Teacup July 31 July 31

If you’re looking to show off your hidden talents, at this year’s fair you can try your hand at anything from wreath design to rubber-chicken flinging. With expanded contests and diverse categories, everyone can enter for a chance at a blue ribbon. “We’re anticipating a really good turnout,” said John Buettner, competitive exhibits director. “Tons of competitors have entered since general entries went live July 1, and we’re expecting a lot more.” General competition favorites are returning this year and some are expanding, including an even bigger Flower and Garden Show with more flower and wreath arrangement categories. The Decorated…

The State Fair Behind the Scenes: Meet the Intern

Teacup June 5 June 6

I’m Molly, but you can call me Teacup – nicknamed after my favorite fair ride. I’m a rising senior at UNC-Chapel Hill studying media and journalism, and I’m just starting the second week of my summer internship! While I may not be an expert on agriculture, fairgrounds events or fried Twinkies yet, I’m fascinated by all the work that goes into everything from designing logos and advertisements to promote the fair beforehand to communicating with local vendors to bring that North Carolina goodness straight to the attendees. As far as the fair goes, anyone who knows me would gladly vouch for…

Construction to begin on pedestrian tunnel under Trinity Road

Funhouse March 2 March 2

If Trinity Road is part of your normal commute you will be faced with some closures in the coming months – but it’s all for a good cause. The N.C. Department of Transportation is building a 25-foot-wide pedestrian tunnel under Trinity Road, just east of Youth Center Drive. Because of the construction, Trinity Road will be closed between March 5 and Aug. 1. Detour routes will include Edwards Mill Road, Wade Avenue and Blue Ridge Road. “Pedestrian and vehicle traffic are heavy on Trinity Road not only during the annual N.C. State Fair but also during football games at Carter-Finley…

Category: 2018 N.C. State Fair