For 20 years, the youngest of fairgoers have trekked across the N.C. State Fairgrounds to a garden that is ripe for the picking. They grab their baskets and step into the boots of a farmer, harvesting tomatoes, corn, beans, onions and more.
While Field of Dreams has seen some changes and additions through the years, the exhibit has largely remained the same since its inception in 2004. The concept is simple: teach kids and their parents about where their food comes from by giving them the chance to harvest it for themselves.
After filling their baskets with the crops they’ve harvested straight from the garden, participating kids take their food to the market and reap the rewards of their labor — earning “Farm Bucks” and a prize pack of North Carolina products.
The 2024 N.C. State Fair marks the 20th anniversary of the Field of Dreams exhibit. Retired N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services duo Carl Tart and Rex Sasser have been behind the effort since the start — planting and tending to the garden in the months before the fair to ensure the crops are ready for the young “farmers” to harvest. While many fair exhibits have returned year after year, Field of Dreams has outlasted many.
“Since the beginning, our goal has been to help kids make the connection between the farms they see across the state and their dinner plates at home,” Tart said. “That goal has stood the test of time.”
Explosive growth across North Carolina in recent years has only reinforced the need for agricultural education and the importance of efforts like the Field of Dreams. As new residents continue to move to the state, it’s important they understand the vital role of North Carolina agriculture and agribusiness in their lives.
Soybeans, cotton, peanuts, sorghum, and other herbs and greens can also be found in the lush garden. Tart and Sasser begin planting in June to ensure the crops are ready for harvest in October. With a lot of planning and a little luck, the garden comes to life. In addition to the specialty gardens, the exhibit also features a coloring contest.
While the exhibit has largely remained the same through the years, new features have been added over time, including some animals — a turkey and some rabbits — and a photo area. Kids can also ride on mini-John Deere tractors on the miniature farm.
Field of Dreams is presented by the N.C. Electric Cooperatives. It is located beside Dorton Arena near Cotton Park and Kiddieland. The farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., except for Opening Day (Thursday, Oct. 17) when it opens at noon.
