Heritage Circle

Feeling the heat: Behind-the-scenes with Ember Fire Arts

Rollercoaster October 21 October 20

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 often afraid to ask her, but always curious to know the answer to. Catch one of her shows at the N.C. State Fair either at 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. down in Heritage Circle and keep reading to learn all about her passion, show and…

Historic church continues to provide a place for worship and service at the State Fair

Sweet Corn October 20 October 20

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 to 1927, then transferred to Lincolnville, A.M.E. congregation and relocated to Nowell Road in Raleigh. The building served the congregation until 1982, when Lincolnville constructed a new building. In August of 1983, the chapel and original pews were purchased and moved to the fairgrounds to…

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

Funhouse October 24 October 24

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…

Into The Fog brings progressive bluegrass to Heritage Circle Stage

Funhouse October 15 October 15

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 the frenetic midway and busy exhibit halls. The Bluegrass Music Stage in Heritage Circle features bluegrass bands and adds to the charm and character, while giving North Carolina artists a time to shine in front of their current fans and make new ones. One of…

Folk Festival moves to a new “neighborhood” on the fairgrounds

Tractor Pull September 29 October 13

“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 20 years, skipping a year every now and then. So it’s a good sign when someone like her gives the stamp of approval to a new location. You can tell clogging is important to her. You can hear it in her voice and feel it…

From racecars to guitars – Kyle Petty brings a songwriter’s circle-style to Heritage Circle

Funhouse October 12 October 12

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 of one of North Carolina’s pre-eminent racing families – but I didn’t know he played music. Petty competed in more than 800 races in his 31-year career, posting 173 top ten finishes and eight wins. He was named NASCAR Illustrated Person of the Year in…

Craft soda expands options for kids and adults at the Our State Public House

Tractor Pull October 4 October 4

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 around the Our State Public House. The Public House is still relatively new. Our State magazine has sponsored it since its first year in 2017. It’s located in Heritage Circle, not far from the tobacco pavilion, the grist mill or the flower and garden show….

60 tons of shavings: The N.C. State Fair by the numbers

Funhouse September 30 September 30

The annual N.C. State Fair is less than 2 weeks away. The fairgrounds crew is busily preparing the grounds for the nearly 1 million fairgoers that will visit during the annual 11-day event. Check out these fun numerical facts about the 151st N.C. State Fair, which runs Oct. 11 through the 21st. 2,855: Number of windows on the exterior of Dorton Arena 1,674: Number of mums ordered for the Flower and Garden Show. Several of these will be used to build the giant mum-tree, one of the fair’s most popular photo spots. 60 tons: And what do you get? All…

10 fun things you can do during your visit to the fair

Fair Flyer October 15 October 16

Here at Deep Fried, we know a thing or two about the N.C. State Fair. Our staff has more than 50 years’ experience with this annual event, so if you’re looking for directions to help you maneuver all 200 acres of the fairgrounds or the best places to eat, we can point you in the right direction. But, before you head out to try the latest deep-fried culinary delights at the fair, here are a few things you can do to build up an appetite: Visit the State Fair Ark. This is the best place to see North Carolina’s diverse…

What’s New at the Village of Yesteryear

Funhouse October 5 October 5

Last year the Village of Yesteryear celebrated it’s 65th birthday at the N.C. State Fair. And, like many of us, the Village of Yesteryear just gets better with age. It’s a great place to shop for unique, one-of-kind gifts for yourself, or Christmas presents, and to learn a little about heritage crafts and their importance. More than 100 working artists will demonstrate their crafts in the Holshouser Building near Heritage Circle. Crafters include potters, quilters, bowl makers, painters and more. This year the village welcomes five new craftsmen including a wood turner who makes beautiful hollow Christmas ornaments, a…

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