Tag: blue ribbon

First-generation farmer wins Commissioner’s Award in 2021 Heritage Tobacco Competition

From a tobacco-tying competition, barn curing, a heritage tobacco harvest competition and a mock tobacco auction, the legacy of tobacco and its contributions to the state of North Carolina and the agricultural industry is on full display at Heritage Circle at the N.C. State Fair. The Heritage Tobacco Harvest Competition was started in 2015 to recognize individuals growing tobacco. Entries and winners are on view in the Tobacco Pavilion in Heritage Circle. Growers from North Carolina submit silver-dollar-sized hand ties of flue-cured tobacco to compete in different stalk position classes. Brent Leggett, a first-generation farmer from Nashville, was awarded the…

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What’s new at the 2018 N.C. State Fair competitions?

If you’re looking to show off your hidden talents, at this year’s fair you can try your hand at anything from wreath design to rubber-chicken flinging. With expanded contests and diverse categories, everyone can enter for a chance at a blue ribbon. “We’re anticipating a really good turnout,” said John Buettner, competitive exhibits director. “Tons of competitors have entered since general entries went live July 1, and we’re expecting a lot more.” General competition favorites are returning this year and some are expanding, including an even bigger Flower and Garden Show with more flower and wreath arrangement categories. The Decorated…

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NC State Fair special cooking contests coordinator offers advice to blue-ribbon hopefuls

For those of you home cooks who are blue-ribbon hopefuls, the State Fair is more than a chance to experience the attractions, tour the events and sample all things deep-fried. This is the time of year you get to show off your skills and, with a little luck, take home the grand prize. If you happen to be a wizard in the kitchen, and you plan to place your culinary creations on the State Fair’s gingham altar, chances are you will meet Lisa Prince. Prince has been the superintendent of the special cooking contests for 14 years, but she started…

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New food: Joe’s Big Dogs

There are hot dogs, and then there’s Joe’s Big Dogs. The silver diner car located between the Jim Graham Building and Dorton Arena has been a surprising sight for many people walking into the Fair from Gate 2. That’s because Joe Bushfan, owner of Joe’s Big Dogs, is selling some really big hot dogs.  You can get Joe’s all-beef hot dog in three sizes: quarter pound, half pound and yes, even a 1-pound hot dog. Blue Ribbon, Firecracker and I decided it was best to tackle the massive 1-pound hot dog together. We spent some time talking to Joe about…

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Ford Drive One Tour drives into the Fair

On the south side of Dorton Arena, near Gate 2, you can get everything from pottery to hot tubs. You can also see, interact and enter to win a new Ford vehicle, worth up to $30,000. The Ford Drive One Tour is a huge exhibit featuring the latest Ford cars, trucks and SUVs. You can see the new Ford Fiesta, Flex, Escape Hybrid and others while you play interactive games and check out the cool demos available. And, a quick registration allows you to check in at three pit stops in the exhibit for a chance to win Ford swag…

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Register online for State Fair competitions

North Carolina is full of talented people. I know, because I work with a bunch of them. But I can also attest to this fact because of the 13 State Fairs that I’ve experienced. A walk through the Education Building, the fine arts section in the Kerr Scott Building or the Arts & Crafts Building and it’s apparent that there is a “Whole Lotta” talent in this state. The intricate woodwork, amazing Lego creations, beautiful artwork and tiny stitches on quilts and smocked dresses all point to the care that North Carolinians put into their hobbies. Not to mention the…

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