Taylor Askew has been showing livestock at the N.C. State Fair since she was just 5 years old. Now, the 17-year-old is gearing up to finish high school and head to college, taking with her a long list of life lessons she’s learned along the way. The Greenville native said showing livestock has been somewhat … Read more
For some, anticipation for the North Carolina State Fair comes from dreaming about delicious, deep-fried food. For others, it comes from preparing an animal all year long and seeing your hard work pay off. The North Carolina State Fair is a time-honored tradition for many families in the state, and offers many opportunities to showcase … Read more
Brian and Sherry Kennedy of Duplin County are devoted N.C. State fairgoers. Not only do they pack up the family to attend the annual State Fair, but they are keen livestock competitors, especially when it comes to showing swine. Brian Kennedy’s passion for livestock started at a young age. “My life has always been ingrained … Read more
For the sixth year, Ashton Seal and his family drove from Mount Airy to Raleigh to show pigs at the NC State Fair. Like any other year, they were excited to show pigs and see friends, they were also holding their breath ever so slightly. They had a dream of winning the champion banner. This … Read more
There’s something about summertime. School is out. The sun is shining, and anything cool sounds good (please pass the ice cream). Many families go on vacation or spend days at the pool. Children attend camps and make special memories with friends all summer long. Summer is a special time, but it does not look the … Read more
An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest. -Ben Franklin Have you ever watched a livestock show at the N.C. State Fair? Have you ever wondered how they learn how to show a massive cow or keep control of their pig? Let me tell you, there are lot of rules to follow and techniques … Read more
When it comes to becoming a veterinarian, there is no doubt there is a lot of school involved that comprises of some hard classes. Even during undergraduate pre-vet classes, there are some doozies. Almost every student second guesses their choice in career, and some just give up. However, for those who keep their eye on … Read more
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 … Read more
It was the final show of the Eastern Carolina Lamb Showmanship circuit. Points were close between competitors. This show would determine the circuit champions and who would win the belt buckle. Everyone watched with baited breath to see if the novice showman, although young and cute, could show a lamb as good as the most-seasoned … Read more
It’s impossible to talk about the N.C. State Fair Livestock Special Awards Show without talking about longtime participant Mike Smith. Smith started attending livestock shows with his nieces in the 1980s as they exhibited livestock in the youth shows. But as he traveled with his family to livestock events across the state, Smith, who has … Read more