On a crisp Monday morning, the fifth day of the 2024 North Carolina State Fair kicked off. Parking was moderate yet there was a slight walk to the grounds. Once you get through the metal detectors and ticket booth a vision of food stands, flowers, and old-timey buildings set the stage. As the biggest fair in North Carolina, it has some high standards to meet.
Started in 1853 by the State Agricultural Society, it has kept its rural farming roots. In the Agri Supply Exhibition Center, there are displays of award-winning vegetables, farm animals, and exotic avian species. But judging is not all over. If you cross over to the building next door you encounter manicured and multicolored heifers. Members of various high school FFA’s (Future Farmers of America) guide the massive animals out into the pens. Black, brown and pure white cows are led onto the sawdust to be judged and seen by the crowd.
As you head outside away from the musty pine-scented stalls, a colorful array of food stands makes your mouth water. There are always a variety of fried foods such as fried Oreos, ribs, and funnel cakes. But there are also savory items such as the viral “Mexican Egg Rolls” and If you want to quench your thirst there are stands for Apple cider slushies, Arnold Palmers, and NC State’s fresh milk at the Howling Cow. Once you’re done with the basics you can get a sweet treat including classic cotton candy, some ‘Wolftracks’, also found at the Howling Cow, or a candy apple.
While these Fair foods are settling you sure wouldn’t want to get on a ride just yet so there are shops in the Village of Yesteryear that display crafts and art from across the state. A fiddle maker, painter and knife carver all are residing under the same roof. Just outside this circular building, there are booths with any game you would want and all the stuffed prizes you could dream of. One stand even has live fish as a prize!
After you traverse all the shops and games then you must finally be ready for some rides. There are ticket booths scattered around the entrance to the park and yellow wristbands are given for unlimited rides. If you want to try a more laid-back experience then the Ferris wheel or super slides are for you. But if you want something more extreme then the Power 360 or the the Vortex will flip you until your head spins.
At the end of a long day of eating, watching, sliding, and walking the exhaustion starts to seep in. As you start to head towards the exit a small pond has a floating dock covered in fireworks. The show at night will be stunning, lighting up the fair and the eyes of thousands watching. As the weight of the day slides off your shoulders, it serves as a reminder to keep your feet moving. Until next year…
