N.C. State Fair competitions

The Lovitt family has a unique hobby – growing giant pumpkins

Karsyn Westerbeek July 17 July 17

Many people have a hobby they really enjoy. For some, hobbies might be things like sewing, reading or playing sports, but for the Lovitt family it is giant pumpkin growing. For the last 12 years, the family has grown giant pumpkins for the North Carolina State Fair competitions. The whole family is involved in the year-round commitment to growing the best pumpkin possible and getting it to weigh-offs in October. Brother and sister, TJ and Marina, enter pumpkins every year. While the growing is now a whole-family activity, the idea originated from dad Gary. After seeing a giant pumpkin seed…

New Competitions Announced for 2021 State Fair

Christa Dutton July 1 July 1

Decorated Christmas Trees, painted rocks and stuffed sock toys! Those are just a few examples of the new competitions coming to this year’s state fair. After a year with no fair, these exciting new competitions will prove to have been worth the wait! This year’s new competitions were created in an effort to encourage competition entries as these simpler projects can be completed within weeks rather than some projects that can take a whole year. No matter your age, skill level or interests, there is bound to be a competition for you! “Our hope is that these sorts of categories…

What’s new at the 2018 N.C. State Fair competitions?

Teacup July 31 July 31

If you’re looking to show off your hidden talents, at this year’s fair you can try your hand at anything from wreath design to rubber-chicken flinging. With expanded contests and diverse categories, everyone can enter for a chance at a blue ribbon. “We’re anticipating a really good turnout,” said John Buettner, competitive exhibits director. “Tons of competitors have entered since general entries went live July 1, and we’re expecting a lot more.” General competition favorites are returning this year and some are expanding, including an even bigger Flower and Garden Show with more flower and wreath arrangement categories. The Decorated…

Ready. Set. Bring your entries!

Funhouse October 11 October 11

Entries started going into place today for several competitive-exhibit departments at the fair. Potential prize-winners dropped off their artwork, woodwork, prized quilts and other entries that will be judged before the fair’s opening on Thursday, Oct. 17. Entries are up 43 percent this year, with the largest increase in the flower and garden department, followed by the 4-H and beer departments.

N.C. State Fair decorated-cakes contest a winner with the public

Tilt-A-Whirl August 22 August 21

The N.C. State Fair’s decorated-cakes competition is a real crowd pleaser, drawing a line of visitors past the many entries on display in the Education Building. Professional and amateur decorators create ornate, multi-tiered cakes that look too pretty to eat. Robin Bilodeau of Chapel Hill is a frequent entrant in the competition, and she attributes its popularity in part to people’s fascination with the complexity of the creations on display. Jacquelyn McClelland, a N.C. State University professor and the competition’s superintendent, agrees. “I think the public likes the contest so much because the cakes are so creative and beautiful to…

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