From the livestock shows to the baking competitions to the music stages, the best North Carolina talent is on display at the North Carolina State Fair. This year, several exhibitors drew inspiration from a pop-u-lar movie ahead of the upcoming theater release of its sequel.
With iconic scenes and song lyrics on painted rocks, LEGOS, cakes and more, entrants paid tribute to “Wicked.” The movie adaptation of the famed Broadway musical “Wicked” hit theaters in November 2024, and the second part, “Wicked: For Good,” releases next month. The story tells the account of the witches from “The Wizard of Oz.”
Four cakes in the decorated cakes competition displayed scenes from the story, featuring the two main characters — Glinda and Elphaba.
One entry also featured Dorothy and the other characters from “The Wizard of Oz,” which are teased to make appearances in “Wicked: For Good” as the storylines converge.
Jillian Curtis of Fuquay-Varina made several entries in the Handicrafts competitions that were inspired by “Wicked” characters and themes. In the decorated footwear competition, Curtis created a pair of sneakers that will have you dancing through life.
The shoes pay tribute to Glinda (complete with her magic wand and a nod to her floating bubble) and Elphaba (green and complete with her iconic pointy hat and broomstick).
Curtis also entered “Wicked” pieces in the painted egg, painted shell and painted rock competitions. This is the fourth year Curtis has entered crafts at the N.C. State Fair, and each year she chooses a theme.
“I try to pick something that is both kinda trendy and something I’m into at the time,” Curtis said. “‘Wicked’ has been one of my favorite musicals since it came out, I saw it in 2008 on Broadway, and it feels like it’s been popular since the first movie came out last year. With the second part coming out soon, I thought it would be a fun theme for the fair this year.”
In the string bead jewelry competition, Curtis entered a bundle of friendship-style bracelets in a pink and green color scheme. The third says “popular” — nodding to a celebrated song from the movie musical.
“I really love how there’s a generational overlap with ‘Wicked,’ with ‘The Wizard of Oz’ connection that was popular among the older generations,” Curtis said.
Adeline Sadler of Wake Forest entered a LEGOS creation displaying the two witches — Glinda in an appropriate, pink, Barbie-like world juxtaposed to Elphaba in her treehouse surrounded by her spellbook and potions.
You can find these entries, and more, in the Commercial & Education building near Gate 12.
In the decorated haybales competition, Wilson County 4-H took home the blue ribbon for their Emerald City display. Complete with the yellow brick road and a photo op board, you’ll be changed for good after seeing it. Find the haybales between Kiddieland and the Scott Building.
Did you see any other “Wicked”-inspired exhibits during your time at the fair? Share them with us on our Facebook and Instagram at @ncstatefair.