The N.C. State Fair excels at showcasing the many talents local North Carolinians offer. The fairgrounds host countless competitions and exhibits highlighting delicious dishes, homegrown crops, homemade crafts and performing arts acts. One of these attractions is the N.C. State Fair Folk Festival. In 1928, the traditional festival was founded in Asheville by Bascom Lamar … Read more
Homegrown Music Fest is returning to the fairgrounds with a stacked lineup of gifted performers, including high tenor singer-songwriter Ben James. He will take the Heritage Circle stage on Wednesday, Oct. 23, to showcase his authentic country sound with bluegrass and gospel influences. Originally from Icard, Ben’s love of music stemmed from growing up in … Read more
This year the old tobacco barn in Heritage Circle will celebrate its 20th year of being used to cure tobacco during the fair. But it’s impossible to know just how many seasons of tobacco have come through its short, single door and how many times fires were lit to begin the curing process. But you … Read more
As a fire performer, Amber Kornegay, owner and performer for Ember Fire Arts, often walks the line between being intriguing for people and seeming intimidating. However, at the heart of it all she is a simple girl with a passion for fire. We sat down with Amber and asked her ten questions that people are … Read more
Located just outside Heritage Circle and near the Village of Yesteryear sits a historic chapel that N.C. Campers on a Mission uses each year to minister to traveling fair workers and provide basic supplies. The chapel was originally used as the sanctuary of the Ephesus Baptist Church. The one-room wooden structure served Ephesus from 1857 … Read more
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 … Read more
Longtime fair attendees will tend to agree, Heritage Circle at the N.C. State Fair is one of the best kept secrets at the fair. Fairgoers will find restored log cabins, plenty of sitting areas, a working tobacco barn and the State Fair blacksmiths hard at work. The area proves to be a relaxing respite from … 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
As a fan of music and fan of all things North Carolina – I look forward each year to the release of the Homegrown Music series put together by Deep South Productions. This year, a name on our list for Heritage Circle performers stuck out – Kyle Petty. I know the name as a member … Read more
For the third year, people at the N.C. State Fair will be able to taste samples of beer, wine and cider from the Old North State. New this year, craft soda will also be available, which means children and anyone else under age 21 will now be allowed in the picnic or “beer garden” area … Read more