The interns take on fair freebies

Throughout the week, our Facebook fans have submitted suggestions of challenges Cowbelle and I, Jane Deere, could complete at the fair. Ideas ranged from eating fried frog legs and learning from Wacky Wheeler to playing the Fool the Guesser game and milking cows. The final idea, given by the Deep Fried Crew, was to take to the fairgrounds looking for every freebie we could find. Fair Freebie Challenge rules were as follows: We had to leave and return to the Press Office within one hour exactly. No golf carts or other transportation could be used to manevuer the grounds. Interns had to stay…

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(Intern) challenge accepted

In a typical workplace, the interns usually do the necessary-but-mundane office tasks and “grunt work.” At the N.C. State Fair, the Deep Fried Crew is careful to make sure interns get fully immersed in every aspect of fair promotions. To help us earn our State Fair stripes, the Deep Fried Crew cooked up an intern challenge “opportunity” where Facebook fans get to suggest things for us to do. Check out our Facebook page to make suggestions and to vote for your favorite adventure for us. It’s safe to say that Cowbelle and I will go through the ringer of audience-voted challenges, covering everything from rides…

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Tips for first-time fairgoers

We hope everyone has been to the State Fair at least once, but with so many newcomers to the state we figure there are some people who may have never been. Coming to the fair for the first time can be a little overwhelming, and as our fair veterans know, there is a way to do it right. We asked our Facebook fans to help newcomers out by suggesting their favorite parts of the fair. Top 10 Fair Musts, as offered by State Fair fans: “Get some Al’s fries! They are the best!” “Buy your ride tickets NOW while they…

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Artist Spotlight: Eli Young Band

When Mike Eli and James Young were “living the dream” in college their freshman year, I wonder if they ever envisioned turning those dreams into such a big reality on the country music scene. Whether they thought it would ever happen or not, the pair has gradually built a strong following, touring with country stars such as Miranda Lambert and gaining national attention on CMT and GMT.  All the while, the band continued to focus on songwriting, which paid off with the No. 1 hit, “Crazy Girl,” in 2011 and the 2012 Academy of Country Music Award’s Song of the…

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Weekend Update: Oct. 4-6

With the N.C. State Fair right around the corner, there will not be any outside events happening on the fairgrounds through October. The buildings and grounds are being prepped for the fair, which runs Oct 17-27. This weekend, the N.C. State Fair Horse Shows begin with the Hunter Jumper show. The State Fair Horse Shows are one of the largest all-breed shows in the country, requiring more than 11 days to get all the shows in. The shows are in the Hunt Horse Complex and start daily at 8 a.m. Spectator admission is free. Savings-minded fairgoers can purchase admission and…

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Artist Spotlight: Dailey & Vincent

I must admit, I’ve never been much of a bluegrass fan, but it’s safe to say that after listening to Dailey & Vincent, I’ve been converted. The band is clearly after more than popular, mainstream recognition; it seeks true artistry and authenticity in its music. Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent founded the group in 2007 and have been entertaining with a unique blend of harmonic vocals and instrumentals ever since. The pair is joined by four other band members to create an authentically bluegrass experience. This band is undoubtedly talented; each member is a gifted musician with a slew of…

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Artist Spotlight: Scotty McCreery

Country superstar and Garner native Scotty McCreery is no stranger to the N.C. State Fair. He played two sold-out concerts during the 2012 fair, and we are lucky to have him performing again this year on Oct. 21 and 22. McCreery’s nationwide popularity started when he burst onto the country music scene after winning “American Idol” in 2011. Perhaps it was his dazzling smile and country-tinged vocals that America fell in love with while watching the show, but I know I was won over by his Southern charm. While on the show, McCreery performed songs by country legends Garth Brooks…

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Tips from the expert

“If you can grow it, you can show it at the N.C. State Fair.” This motto sums up the State Fair’s horticulture competition, although there are some very specific rules you must follow. April Blazich, N.C. State Fair horticulture superintendent, offers her expertise on how to start growing good vegetables now in hopes of bringing home a prize in October. Categories For first-time exhibitors, it’s important to consider which category to enter. The hot peppers category is a longtime popular choice for exhibitors because peppers are easy to grow in North Carolina. To compensate for the influx of entries, the…

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Ready, Set, Buy! Advance ticket sales open Thursday

Advance tickets for the 2013 N.C. State Fair go on sale Aug. 1 at 10 a.m. Buying early is the best way to save if you want to stretch your dollar as far as you can on admission and ride tickets. And, if you’re looking for a front-row seat to one of the Dorton Arena concerts, you’re definitely going to want to be in front of a computer when tickets go on sale Thursday at 10 a.m. We want your ticket-buying experience to be as smooth as possible, so here are some tips to have a stress-free experience: BE PATIENT! Things…

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Two green thumbs up

Many find the recent rain that has flooded the Triangle to be annoying, but Mike Lowe isn’t bothered. The rain hasn’t affected his prize-winning garden. The longtime gardener has been winning North Carolina State Fair ribbons for his plants for the past six years. Lowe’s love for the garden began as a child when his grandmother gave him a small potted cactus to take care of. Since then, his expertise of plant life has grown and now includes perennials, annuals and foliage shrubs. Though he’s always been a gardener, Lowe’s decision to exhibit his plants at the fair happened only…

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