2021 NC State Fair

First-generation farmer wins Commissioner’s Award in 2021 Heritage Tobacco Competition

Funhouse October 24 October 24

From a tobacco-tying competition, barn curing, a heritage tobacco harvest competition and a mock tobacco auction, the legacy of tobacco and its contributions to the state of North Carolina and the agricultural industry is on full display at Heritage Circle at the N.C. State Fair. The Heritage Tobacco Harvest Competition was started in 2015 to recognize individuals growing tobacco. Entries and winners are on view in the Tobacco Pavilion in Heritage Circle. Growers from North Carolina submit silver-dollar-sized hand ties of flue-cured tobacco to compete in different stalk position classes. Brent Leggett, a first-generation farmer from Nashville, was awarded the…

Carrying on a Century Farm legacy at Hoggard Farm

Rollercoaster October 24 October 17

The Farm Family of the Day program is a new addition to the N.C. State Fair. The program recognizes 11 farm families – one for every day of the State Fair – who work hard everyday to impact our state’s agriculture industry. Families either nominated themselves or were nominated by members of the community. Thanks to Tractor Supply Company for sponsoring the program, which will run from Oct. 14-24. Hoggard Farm in Ahoskie is an agriculture haven growing over 100 acres of various crops, including tobacco, peanuts, soybeans and corn. The farm, owned by Robert Earl and Carolyn Brinkley, was…

Paul Bunyan’s Lumberjack Show still delivers after decades of fair appearances

Tractor Pull October 23 October 24

Lee LeCaptain loves bringing the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show to the N.C. State Fair. It’s something he first did in the early 90’s. At that time, the show was based in Heritage Circle, and it made use of the pond there. “To me [this fair] is one of the best in the nation. I enjoy it probably better than any other state fair in the country,” LeCaptain said after a recent show during the 2021 fair. “I come here, it’s like home. It’s just very comfortable. It’s almost like here is a vacation, but I’m still working hard. I work…

Flourishing flowers at Conrad Farms

Rollercoaster October 22 October 17

The Farm Family of the Day program is a new addition to the N.C. State Fair. The program recognizes 11 farm families – one for every day of the State Fair – who work hard everyday to impact our state’s agriculture industry. Families either nominated themselves or were nominated by members of the community. Thanks to Tractor Supply Company for sponsoring the program, which will run from Oct. 14-24. The Conrad family may be fairly new to farming in North Carolina, but their business has taken off and flourished as quickly as their beautiful flowers! Conrad Farms, located in Cary,…

Worth the Wait!! – Dairy Show

Funhouse October 21 October 20

The following blog is a guest post provided by Rachel Gray, a Senior in Agribusiness at the University of Mount Olive. The article is part of a series of blogs provided by UMO students. The North Carolina State Fair is an annual event people anxiously look forward to attending. During the 10 days the fair is hosted, nearly one million people will visit the fairgrounds. Livestock and poultry competitions go on throughout the fair. Families from across North Carolina and surrounding states work year-round to prepare their livestock for competitions. My younger sister and I have shown dairy cattle since…

Bringing local to the community at Jackson Farms Produce

Rollercoaster October 21 October 17

The Farm Family of the Day program is a new addition to the N.C. State Fair. The program recognizes 11 farm families – one for every day of the State Fair – who work hard everyday to impact our state’s agriculture industry. Families either nominated themselves or were nominated by members of the community. Thanks to Tractor Supply Company for sponsoring the program, which will run from Oct. 14-24. Jackson Farms Produce in Saint Pauls not only grows a variety of fruits and vegetables, like corn, peaches, beans and onions, but also produces beef and pork products. The multi-generational family…

Chosen By The Bells

Rollercoaster October 20 October 22

Charlie St. Cyr – Paul is the man behind the Cast In Bronze Carillon. Some of you may remember the Carillon from the 2019 N.C. State Fair, however it takes on a new look, feel and management under Charlie. In previous years, the bells were played by Cast in Bronze creator, Frank DellaPenna. However, Frank recently announced his retirement from touring with the Carillon and chose none other than Charlie St. Cyr – Paul to carry on the inspiring tradition. Cast in Bronze was the first musical act in the world to feature the carillon in its show. Although the…

Giving back to the community at Faith Farm Supply

Rollercoaster October 19 October 17

The Farm Family of the Day program is a new addition to the N.C. State Fair. The program recognizes 11 farm families -one for every day of the State Fair – who work hard everyday to impact our state’s agriculture industry. Families either nominated themselves or were nominated by members of the community. Thanks to Tractor Supply Company for sponsoring this program, which runs Oct. 14-24. The Solomon family has been farming in Prospect Hill for over 50 years and not only has a focus on growing local products but giving back to the community and making a difference. Faith…

Best in Show decorated cookies inspire feelings of fall

Funhouse October 18 October 17

Sometimes an entry stands out right from the beginning. That was the case when Rhonda Parsons’ fall-flavored decorated cookies showed up for the Decorated Cookies competition in the Education Building. The cookies won Best of Show, taking home $25, a blue ribbon and bragging rights for Parsons. “We had several great entries in this category,” said John Buettner, competitions director. “Parsons’ cookies were a standout for their intricate design, attention to detail and use of color and creativity.” This year’s entry marks Parsons’ second win in the Best in Show category. She also won the honor in 2018 with her…

Over 200 years of heart and devotion at Wadsworth Acres

Rollercoaster October 18 October 17

The Farm Family of the Day program is a new addition to the N.C. State Fair. The program recognizes 11 farm families – one for every day of the State Fair – who work hard everyday to impact our state’s agriculture industry. Families either nominated themselves or were nominated by members of the community. Thanks to Tractor Supply Company for sponsoring the program, which will run from Oct. 14-24. Wadsworth Acres in Carthage has been under family operation for over 200 years. Current farm owner and manager, Bradley Wadsworth, is the eighth generation to work on the farm. “Our family…

Category: 2021 NC State Fair