Barnyard Animals: A Preview of the Fair
“Were you raised in a barn, child?” If I heard it once, I heard it a hundred times growing up from my grandmother. She was getting on to me for racing out of the house to play without closing the door, but today at the State Farmer’s Market in Raleigh I think she would have meant it as a compliment. More than a dozen children competed in a “Farm Animal Sounds” contest at the Market Festival, as well as in Corn Shucking and Corn Eating contests. There was quite a turnout of people there to cheer on the brave (and…
To be announced
When we announced the concert lineup last week, we left two dates intentionally blank. This has created quite the stir among Dorton Arena concert lovers, who have had plenty of suggestions for who we should get to perform those nights. Sorry to disappoint, but we actually have artists booked for those nights, but are under contractual obligation to hold off on announcing those acts until a later date. For those of you who have weighed in, we can tell you a few people who are not filling those spots: Clay Aiken will not be at the Fair, Daughtry will not…
“The Queen of Quilts”
The N.C. State Fair is saddened at the death of one of its biggest supporters, Mrs. Charlotte Wyatt. Besides being the proud mom of State Fair Manager Wesley Wyatt, Mrs. Wyatt served as supervisor of the quilts and clothing division for more than 30 years. She retired her post at the end of the 2007 State Fair, expecting to spend her coming Octobers in the mountains or on other personal pursuits. The News & Observer did a wonderful story last year about this great lady and her accomplishments right before her retirement. You can find the article here:http://www.newsobserver.com/news/fair/story/737358.html Wesley, you…
100 days until the Fair
Can you believe it? 265 days down, and only 100 to go until the 2008 State Fair. To celebrate, here’s a look at some of the other numbers associated with the state’s biggest gathering of food, rides, animals and N.C. agriculture. . . 9 – Gate number where you’ll find the racing pigs 11 days (as of this year!) long 25 cents – The admission to the Fair in 1853 60 – Years of the Folk Festival 120 decibels – The noise level of screaming fans during Dorton Arena concerts 155 – years since the first Fair $70 billion –…
Candy apples
A few weeks ago, we hosted the Got to Be NC Festival at the State Fairgrounds and I caught up with one of the vendors that is also at the State Fair, Miss Debbies Specialty Apples. As their name implies, these are no ordinary candy apples. A new flavor that caught my eye (I don’t remember seeing it last year) is the Cafe Ola. Here’s the description: A granny smith apple covered in rich caramel, rolled in semi sweet chocolate chips, sprinkled with fresh crushed coffee beans & repeatedly drizzled with milk & white chocolate. yummmmm! I can’t wait for…
Deep fried blog!
Squealing, speed-racing pigs. Giant blue ribbon pumpkins. Old-fashioned ferris wheel rides. And, of course, deep fried food on a stick. Admit it, you’ve been counting down the days until the 2008 N.C. State Fair–and we have too. That’s why the N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services has started its first State Fair blog dedicated to bringing you the inside scoop on what makes the State Fair come together every year. We’ll be your go-to guide during the Fair as well, bringing you the tastiest foods, flashiest rides, newest exhibitions and coolest State Fair characters. I’m CottonCandy, and I’ll be…