Each fall, the N.C. State Fair brings its traditional blend of rides, music, livestock and of course, fried food. But if you’re looking for a taste of home, a spotlight on small businesses and a chance to connect with the agricultural roots of North Carolina, there’s no better place than the Got to Be NC … Read more
Often, achieving our dreams and goals is not as straightforward as we would hope, but the strength and endurance you learn along the way is what makes it even more important. For Pressley Laton, the path to being a musical artist has been anything but straightforward, and even something she thought she would leave behind. … Read more
Most of us hope we don’t have inclement or poor weather when we go to the fair, but what if I told you one of the best stories at the N.C. State Fair began with a muddy day just off the Midway. Sophia Carter is part of the long line of members of the Carter … Read more
Today was a very big day! As soon as I woke up, Mommy and Daddy told me we were going to the N.C. State Fair. I was so excited because I went to the State Fair last year, too, and it was so much fun. First, we had to ride in the car for a … Read more
Walking around near the Kerr Scott Building at this year’s N.C. State Fair, you might hear what sounds like a new musical stage in the area. What may come as a shock for many visitors will be seeing only one man performing but performing as an entire band! Marc Dobson, The One-Man Band, will be … Read more
For Corky Powers, the owner of Powers Great American Midway, his dream all started in 1974 with a slide. Although he and his brother had spent years working concession stands with their grandfather around Rochester, NY, it was that year that Powers bought his first ride. What came next was years of growth where more … Read more
Since 1987, Dan Denning of Lillington has been helping fairgoers take home a lasting memory from the N.C. State Fair. His business, State Fair Caps and T-shirts, located near the Sam G. Rand Grandstand, sells a selection of short sleeve and long sleeved shirts and hats with the fair logo and offer about a dozen … Read more
Heather Leah has always had a passion for history and North Carolina. This passion was fostered by her family, which has roots dating back seven generations in the state. “When I was younger, I would ride around Raleigh with my grandmother and she would point out the things that had changed in her lifetime,” said … Read more
Wine, cider and mead produced in North Carolina are getting their own spotlight at this year’s State Fair with the introduction of a new wine, cider and mead garden located in the Heritage Circle. The garden comes as a joint effort by the North Carolina Wine Growers Association, the NC Cider Alliance and the NC … Read more
There’s a lot to see, taste and experience at the N.C. State Fair, but if you want to get to know the people behind North Carolina agriculture, make sure Dorton Arena is on your list. The Got to Be NC Pavilion returns Oct. 15-25 for the 2026 N.C. State Fair, bringing together North Carolina farmers, … Read more