Special guest helps judge new 2021 fair foods

On the Monday before the 2021 N.C. State Fair started, a special guest joined the Deep Fried Crew’s Media Day to help judge some of the 2021 fair’s new foods. Morgan Wilder of Garner is a lifelong fan of the fair who dreamed of getting a preview of the new fair foods and getting to taste them. Her dream came true on that Monday! Her journey to joining the fair food preview began back in March. Dr. Michael Soboeiro sent the Deep Fried Crew an email with an “odd request.” It was in regards to a taste testing he heard…

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Captain Neill’s Carolina Crab Dip wins Best New Food as voted by the media

Today we hosted members of the media for a sneak peek of the N.C. State Fair at our annual media lunch. For the first time, this included the Best New Food at the Fair competition. Members of the media were invited to sample 10 new foods and vote on their favorite. The theme this year among the new foods is seafood. And one of those dishes, Carolina Crab Dip by Captain Neill’s Seafood of Columbia, was chosen as the winner. Captain Neill’s has been a vendor at the fair since 2004. The family operates a seafood processing plant in Columbia…

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Food Finds: Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

Flying Bob and Bearded Lady review one of the new food attractions at the fair, Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls. The egg rolls are filled with finely chopped steak and cheese and covered in a sweet chili sauce. You can also get the sauce on the side. The Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are available at Woody’s, located near the entrance to the Midway and church food booths. You can find these great treats and other fair foods using our Food Finder app at www.ncstatefair.org. Take the food finder with you on the go. Download the North Carolina State Fair app to…

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Food Finds: Deep Fried Cinnamon Rolls Covered in Bacon and Deep Fried Cupcakes

Each year, the Press Office hosts a pre-fair lunch for local media outlets. It’s a great opportunity to share what’s new at the fair. From the latest rides to newest grounds acts, we try to cover everything including the food. Today, Murphy House unveiled two new fair foods you’ll see this year – Deep Fried Cinnamon Rolls Covered in Bacon and Deep Fried Cupcakes. Check out our videos below to see what we thought of these new treats: If videos don’t play, try refreshing browser.   These aren’t the only new additions this year. You can find all the new…

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Deep Fried Countdown: 10 days

We’re just 10 days out from the start of the 2012 N.C. State Fair. That’s right, just 10 days until the jaw-dropping rides, deep-fried delicacies and amazing agricultural exhibits. If you’re starting to plan your trip, we’ve got the following 10 tips to get you ready for the fair. Buy tickets in advance Buying tickets in advance not only saves you money, but also saves time standing in line when you get to the fair. You can purchase your tickets online at www.ncstatefair.org or at nine area retail locations. If you like rides, make sure to buy your ride sheets…

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Team Bubble Gum or Team Kool-Aid?

During today’s media lunch, reporters and guests were able to learn more about the new attractions at the fair. In addition to information about the latest exhibits, rides and entertainment, everyone was able to try three of the newest fair foods to hit the midway – deep-fried bubble gum, deep-fried Kool-Aid and lemon sticks. While everyone enjoyed the lemon sticks, the deep-fried bubble gum and Kool-Aid caused some controversy. People seemed to be either pro bubble gum, or pro Kool-Aid. Even in the press office, we couldn’t decide. Merrie Go Round, Flying Bob and Tilt-A-Whirl enjoyed the deep-fried Kool-Aid, a…

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Deep Fried Review: Fried Frito Pie

My mouth has been watering in anticipation of tasting the Fried Frito Pie since I first heard it was going to be at the N.C. State Fair. I simply couldn’t resist this recipe description: Texas chili mixed with mild cheddar cheese, wrapped in Frito corn chips, then battered and fried. The dish comes with a side of salsa and sour cream. Steph’s Strawberries, located near the Village of Yesteryear in front of the Rabbit Barn, serves up a large portion of the deep-fried treat. Check out this deep fried review: Note: If video doesn’t appear, try refreshing your browser. Check back during the Fair…

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New Food: BlueBird Cupcakes

Cindy McGee graduated from N.C. State University in August facing a tough job market. Instead of giving up hope, she took her love of baking and started BlueBird Cupcakes, a gourmet cupcake business that is making its debut at the 2010 N.C. State Fair. The sociology major turned baker offers seven varieties of cupcakes: Snickers, Pumpkin Spice, Caramel Apple, Red Velvet, S’mores, Very Vanilla and Maple Bacon. Cindy says she bakes around 300 cupcakes each night and goes home around midday to bake 300 more. Her dedication ensures that customers will get a quality cupcake no matter when they come…

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Krispy Kreme Burger: I can’t believe I ate the whole thing

You should know that we walk a lot during the Fair. On average, around five miles a day. I know that doesn’t make up for what I did today because today I ate a Krispy Kreme bacon cheeseburger. That’s right, a hamburger patty, cheese and bacon between two Krispy Kreme doughnuts. You can find the Krispy Kreme burger at several locations around the Fair (use the new food finder to see them all). I tried the Murphy House’s version, which is ironically topped with lettuce and tomato. Watch the video below to see how it went: Note: If video doesn’t…

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