International relations at the State Fair

Japan’s ambassador to the United States visited the N.C. State Fair Sunday, and got a ride he wasn’t expecting.

Ichiro Fujisaki and his wife, Yoriko, went for a ride in the Got to Be NC Big Cart with Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. The 13-foot-tall shopping cart is used to promote North Carolina agricultural products at festivals and parades around the state.

Fujisaki was in North Carolina to attend the annual meeting of the Japan-U.S. Southeast Association, an organization that promotes trade and investment between Japan and the Southeastern United States. Japan is North Carolina’s largest export market, buying $750 million worth of N.C. agricultural products in 2006. The country is the largest importer of N.C. pork and tobacco.

The ambassador was dressed for both the fall weather and the locale in a black hoodie with “North Carolina 1789” on the front. He seemed at ease during the ride. The same cannot be said of his security detail.

Fujisaki isn’t the first VIP to cruise the fairgrounds in the Big Cart. On opening day of the 2006 State Fair, Commissioner Troxler took the NHL’s Stanley Cup and its handler on a ride.

About Flying Bob

Most folks know me as Brian Long, but when it comes to the State Fair blog, I'm Flying Bob. Why Flying Bob? It's one of my favorite carnival rides. Plus, once the fair kicks off, I feel like I'm flying in circles at high speed. (All that's missing is a ride attendant shouting, "Do you wanna go fasterrrrr!") Here at the State Fair Press Office, it's our job to give you as much information about this massive event as possible. That's one of the reasons I enjoy contributing to this blog. I hope you'll enjoy reading it.

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  1. Pingback: In the Field » Chinese tobacco buyers get a taste of the State Fair

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