What’s New at the NC State Fair

The N.C. State Fair opens Thursday, Oct. 15, and runs through Sunday, Oct. 25, in Raleigh, and this year’s fair comes with some big changes. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler told state leaders this week that the fairgrounds have finished a three-year, $60 million renovation. “We have finished up a three-year, $60 million renovation of the fairgrounds, including the new event center, and it is absolutely out of this world,” Troxler said, according to WRAL. The work also includes a new flower show building and a completely remodeled Dorton Arena.

Fairgoers can expect what officials call the biggest Ferris wheel ever at the fair, themed for America’s 250th anniversary, and 84 new foods. Al’s French Fries, a fair fixture since 1957, is ending its run. The state is planning for a million or more visitors, and Troxler’s tip is that Monday through Wednesday usually bring the lighter crowds.

The fair is also home to the Farm Family of the Day program, sponsored by Tractor Supply Company, which returns for its sixth year to honor the families behind our $117 billion agriculture and agribusiness industry. The eleven farm families were nominated by family or community members, and each is honored on its assigned day through announcements and signage on the fairgrounds and features on the State Fair and NCDA&CS blogs and social media. The first five, Oct. 15–19:

Thursday, Oct. 15: Deans Farm Market of Wilson
Friday, Oct. 16: Sanderson Wreaths & Garland of Four Oaks
Saturday, Oct. 17: Sunshine Farms of Spruce Pine
Sunday, Oct. 18: Lucky Four Farms of Stantonsburg
Monday, Oct. 19: Barnes Farm of Spring Hope

We’ll highlight the second half of the lineup in a later Dispatch.

Early voting also begins Thursday, Oct. 15, and runs through Oct. 31, with same-day registration available. Make your plan to vote at ncsbe.gov.