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

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…

Continue Reading

56 million bubbles in a bottle

Are you looking for something to toast in the new year with? We may not produce champagne in North Carolina (to call it champagne, it must be produced in the Champagne region of France), but we do produce some really great sparkling wines. Champagne became popular with European royalty and was originally expensive and seen as a status symbol. We’re lucky to have several great, affordable sparkling wines to choose from made similarly to how champagne is made in France. American sparkling wines are typically made in two methods, méthode champenoise and the charmat method. The first is more expensive…

Continue Reading