Agricadabra makes agriculture magical and funny

If you are looking for somewhere to take the whole family, you’ve come to the right place. At the N.C. State Fair, you will find a handful of highly talented musicians, delicious food, and entertaining performances. One, in particular, and a family favorite, is Agricadabra. Hosted by entertainer Brad Matchett, Agricadabra is a family-friendly magic show that is not only fun but educational. Using volunteers from the audience, Brad highlights all things agriculture within North Carolina. The show dives into fun farming topics, such as the average age of the farmers in your state, questions about chicken and egg production,…

Continue Reading

Get your official weight at the fair — if you dare

Glen Farmer is a heavy-scales inspector with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. For a few shifts during the N.C. State Fair, he weighs something a little more fun — fair-goers. For the last 20 years, he has worked the Standards Division booth inside the Education Building near the House-Autry hush puppies. “We have your official weight according the to State of North Carolina,” said Farmer. “A lot of folks just shake their heads when given their printout and try to tell us it’s not right. But it is!” In North Carolina, anytime a scale is used to…

Continue Reading

Top 10 reasons to enter the Flower and Garden Show

Do you have a green thumb? Then you should consider entering one, two or all three flower shows during this year’s State Fair. There are competitions for adults and children, professionals and amateurs. You can enter competitions for annuals, perennials, bonsai, flower arrangements, hanging baskets, gourds or pumpkins – just to name a few. The flower and garden competitions also have the highest premiums. While most prizes are in the single digits, some garden winners can take home up to $750. In the Premium Book, you’ll find 31 pages with all the classes, groups and sections for the Flower and Garden Show. Did we mention it’s free to enter,…

Continue Reading