From livestock shows and farm animals to giant pumpkins and other commodities, the N.C. State Fair showcases our state’s number one industry in many ways each year, including the produce displayed inside the Agri Supply Expo Center. Did you know that sweet potatoes are entered by farmers across the state each year to be judged … Read more
The Barker family of Burlington all took home ribbons in the chair caning competition at the 2025 N.C. State Fair for their individual entries. Daughter Hadley won a first-place ribbon in the youth competition. Dad Gary was a second-place winner in the adult competition and mom Heather won third place. The family’s entries carry on … Read more
Each year one of the main draws at the N.C. State Fair are the competitions. All around the fairgrounds you’ll find winning entries for every type of competition you could possibly think of. For me and my mom one of our favorite things to do at the fair is try out some new food and … Read more
Smiles can be seen all around the 2024 N.C. State Fair, bringing this year’s “Homegrown Happiness” theme to life. Some of the biggest smiles come from the many competition winners, who, amusingly enough, don’t find out they secured a blue ribbon until they visit their entry at the fair. “Shocked” is an understatement for Greensboro’s … Read more
One competition at the N.C. State Fair helps get Fairgoers in the holiday spirit. With just nine weekends to go until Christmas, the decorated Christmas tree competition will help inspire. This is a popular competition at the N.C. State Fair, since the number of trees available are limited, participants are chosen raffle style in September … Read more
When folks think of the N.C. State Fair, one thing that comes to mind is the delicious food creations. The State Fair not only has various tasty treats to grab from vendors, but it also hosts food competitions! Throughout the entire duration of the fair is the Home Chef Challenge — a series of contests … Read more
Entering a State Fair competition for first-time entrants only and walking away with a blue ribbon is quite an incredible feat. Crafting phenom Kathryn Williams did just that at the 2023 N.C. State Fair, winning the Cross-Stitch on Aida competition in the Adult First-Time Cross-Stitch Entrant division. From embroidery and drawing to flower arranging and … Read more
Nina McManus of Durham makes costumes because it makes her happy. This year her hobby resulted in a first-place win in the garment sewn by adult competition at the N.C. State Fair. This is McManus’ third year entering the fair. “The first year I didn’t win,” she said. ‘last year I won a blue ribbon … Read more
If you are headed to the beach for one last weekend of summer this Labor Day you might want to pick up a shell or two. One of this year’s new competitions is seashell art. It joins the line up with traditional fair competitions like artwork, photography, livestock, cooking, canned food, flowers, woodworking, decorated cakes … Read more
“That’s where I’ve always thought it should be.” That’s the reaction Leah Catherine Seaton had when she heard the N.C. State Fair Folk Festival is moving to a new location this year. It’ll be in an area adjacent to Heritage Circle and the Village of Yesteryear. Seaton has clogged in the festival for more than … Read more