What would you cover if you worked in the State Fair Press Office?
With nearly 50 years of combined experience working in the State Fair Press Office, we’ve seen a lot. We’ve had fun covering the latest deep-fried treats, the newest rides and great exhibits at the fair. But, we’re always on the lookout for other ideas on what to cover. That’s where you come in.
What would you cover if you worked in the press office? Which exhibit would you like to go behind the scenes to see or experience? What ride would you try? We want to hear from you. Submit your ideas by leaving a comment below, posting on Facebook or sending us a tweet on Twitter.
On Thursday, Oct. 11, we’ll pick a few suggestions and cover them on the blog during the fair. The winning entries will receive a State Fair prize pack with a fair T-shirt, souvenir cup and some other great prizes. Send us your suggestions by 9 a.m. on Thursday.
How about highlighting all the great food options & for all the stuff that’s common (corn dogs, cotton candy, etc), a price range so we know where to look for the good deals?
I would love to see a feature on activities for parents. What are the best rides and exhibits for kids? Any secret spots where we can take a rest or enjoy a treat? Top tips and tricks for enjoying the fair to the fullest. As a mom, I’m really only able to enjoy the fair if my kids are behaving and enjoying themselves. I don’t want to spend a ton of money on rides so what else is there that will hold their interest but also let me enjoy my time at the fair.
I would love to see behind the scenes of how it is setting up the animal exhibits – how do they decide what animals to place in what location? What is it like at nights or early mornings once the fair is closed or before it opens? Who takes care of all the animals in the farm exhibit?
I’d LOVE to see you guys go behind the scenes of the photography competition at the fair. I’m a little partial because I entered a photo in the competition this year!
I think you should do a story entitled, Get Seen on the Scene, where you can show people setting up, having fun, tending to cows, racing pigs, eating giant turkey legs, etc… Where are the photographers at? Say, people could look out for the “Fair”-tographers to get their pictures taken and put on the website, or even in the paper. What about the radio stations, tv media? Cover the people! Of course! Everyone wants to get scene @ the NC State Fair!
I would love for you to review the 2 new rides on the midway – the Genesis and the Rock Star and what to expect when someone rides them. Can’t wait for the fair to start!
I think it would be interesting to see a “then and now” kind of thing. If there are any archived photos of the fair from years ago, and compare to now. I remember several things about attending the fair as a kid, and some of those things are still a part of the fair 20 years later. I would love to see if there is anything that has remained as a fair favorite for several decades.
Also, it seems like those who submit entries for judging (whether art, craft, produce, or animal) spend quite a bit of time and effort preparing for each year. It would be interesting to follow some of these people from start to finish. For example, if someone is raising a sheep that will be judged at the fair, or a quilt, or even a pumpkin! Get their story from planning to submission, from beginning to ribbon. 🙂
I would like to see a story about some of the vendors (or other fair participants) that have been coming for decades. I know that certain vendors have been there year after year. I would especially be interested in hearing stories from some of the people who run the kitchens in the building with all of the church sponsored eateries (the Methodist churches, Lion’s Club, etc.). It seems that those stands have been at the fair forever, and I think a lot of the same folks work it year after year. I am sure they have seen some interesting things over the years – I would love to hear some of their memories, and their views of how the fair has changed and grown.
unfortunatly, this year is different. Our finances are different this year. Both my husband and I lost our jobs a couple of months ago. Even though, I have attained new employment and our situation is slowly getting better, we do not have the money to spend at the fair this year plus make the hour drive from Rocky Mount. My daughter will miss it this year and my husband is devestated. If we could go, I would be so excited about the deep fried favorites. My favorites have always been the twinkie, pickles, and oreo. I heard that this year there will be deep fried girl scout cookies. Nothing in the world sounds as good as a deep fried thin mint!! My husband would ofcorse try the caramel delight. Then we would for sure take a picture and share with our friends. It would be nice to have a “deep fried tour” as in there are a list of d.f. vendors and their locations. I hope everyone has a great time this year!! Ride a couple of rides for us!!!
I would like to see more in-depth info on parking…. going rates on private lots, shortest walking distance, how to ride the bus (and how crowded it is), any places to park for free, handicapped parking, best kept parking secrets, quickest routes and least traffic around the fairgrounds, etc. The fair is awesome, but you have to get there first! A lot of times, parking and traffic can be a big hassle and it would be great to know some tips, in order to start your NC State Fair adventure on the right foot!
I would live to see stories done about a Fair Homecoming of sorts. Many people I know grew up going to the fair every year as a child and have since moved away as adults. But many of them make a point to come back home to NC during the fair. I’d love to hear from some of those folks. Perhaps it’s on Senior Citizen Day when there are deep, rich memories of years gone by. Perhaps it’s a couple like my husband & I who celebrate 12 years of marriage but will be attending together for the 17th year in a row. That first year we went together there was a karaoke stage set up beside the Dorton Arena & he sang the sweetest off-key song I’ve ever heard. Sweet memories of North Carolinians who think of the fair as more than a ride or a hot dog or an exhibit. Growing up in NC, this is something you looked forward to every year. Rides and hot dogs and exhibits are great but don’t overlook the memories and the tradition that is the NC State Fair. That’s what I want to read about.
I’d like to know about the street performers, when they perform or where. On Mix 101.5 this morning they were talking about the Divine Lady from last year. I’ve never heard of her before and it sounds like I missed out!
Kay, Devine is a roaming act, meaning she doesn’t have set times. Hang out in the Flower Show area or Heritage Village and you might see her. Or maybe you did see her and not even realized it! She’s quite amazing and blends in.