Best in Show decorated cookies inspire feelings of fall

Sometimes an entry stands out right from the beginning. That was the case when Rhonda Parsons’ fall-flavored decorated cookies showed up for the Decorated Cookies competition in the Education Building. The cookies won Best of Show, taking home $25, a blue ribbon and bragging rights for Parsons. “We had several great entries in this category,” said John Buettner, competitions director. “Parsons’ cookies were a standout for their intricate design, attention to detail and use of color and creativity.” This year’s entry marks Parsons’ second win in the Best in Show category. She also won the honor in 2018 with her…

Continue Reading

Over 200 years of heart and devotion at Wadsworth Acres

The Farm Family of the Day program is a new addition to the N.C. State Fair. The program recognizes 11 farm families – one for every day of the State Fair – who work hard everyday to impact our state’s agriculture industry. Families either nominated themselves or were nominated by members of the community. Thanks to Tractor Supply Company for sponsoring the program, which will run from Oct. 14-24. Wadsworth Acres in Carthage has been under family operation for over 200 years. Current farm owner and manager, Bradley Wadsworth, is the eighth generation to work on the farm. “Our family…

Continue Reading

Farming is the definition of passion at Lineberger’s Farm

The Farm Family of the Day program is a new addition to the N.C. State Fair. The program recognizes 11 farm families who work hard everyday to impact our state’s agriculture industry. Families either nominated themselves or were nominated by members of the community. The program is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company and will run from October 14-24, 2021. Lineberger’s Maple Springs Farm in Dallas strives for diversity in all aspects of its operation. Although the family specializes in strawberries, blackberries, muscadines and pumpkins, the farm is also home to a variety of other produce items, including blueberries, tomatoes, peaches…

Continue Reading

Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day mixes fun and philanthropy

If there is anything that nearly two years of COVID-19 has shown, it’s that people do best when we help each other out. Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day on Thursday is the perfect time to help out those less fortunate while also enjoying the North Carolina State Fair. The event allows fairgoers to bring in six cans of food to donate to the Food Bank of Eastern and Central North Carolina in exchange for free admission to the fair. “Each year, over 50,000 fairgoers come through the gates by giving back to those in need. As we head into the…

Continue Reading

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…

Continue Reading

Making a name in N.C. agriculture at Cottle Farms

The Farm Family of the Day program is a new addition to the N.C. State Fair. The program recognizes 11 farm families – one for every day of the State Fair – who work hard everyday to impact our state’s agriculture industry. Families either nominated themselves or were nominated by members of the community. Thanks to Tractor Supply Company for sponsoring the program, which will run from Oct. 14-24. Five generations of history in agriculture is currently being made at Cottle Farms in Faison. Since 1964, the Cottle family has been producing a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, creating…

Continue Reading

Into The Fog brings progressive bluegrass to Heritage Circle Stage

Longtime fair attendees will tend to agree, Heritage Circle at the N.C. State Fair is one of the best kept secrets at the fair.  Fairgoers will find restored log cabins, plenty of sitting areas, a working tobacco barn and the State Fair blacksmiths hard at work. The area proves to be a relaxing respite from the frenetic midway and busy exhibit halls. The Bluegrass Music Stage in Heritage Circle features bluegrass bands and adds to the charm and character, while giving North Carolina artists a time to shine in front of their current fans and make new ones.  One of…

Continue Reading

Woman-owned Haynes farm aims for the blue at the fair

The Farm Family of the Day program is a new addition to the N.C. State Fair. The program recognizes 11 farm families – one for every day of the State Fair – who work hard everyday to impact our state’s agriculture industry. Families either nominated themselves or were nominated by members of the community. Thanks to Tractor Supply Company for sponsoring the program, which will run from Oct. 14-24. Haynes Farm in Dobson is a fourth generation family farm that has a rich history of farming in our state and has diversified many times through the years. Where the farm…

Continue Reading

Gillis Family Farm celebrates nine generations through farming and agritourism

The Farm Family of the Day program is a new addition to the N.C. State Fair. The program recognizes 11 farm families – one for every day of the State Fair – who work hard everyday to impact our state’s agriculture industry. Families either nominated themselves or were nominated by members of the community. Thanks to Tractor Supply Company for sponsoring the program, which will run from Oct. 14-24. Gillis Family Farm, located in western Cumberland County, dates back to the mid-1700’s and spans over nine generations of the Gillis family. In fact, the newest member of the ninth generation,…

Continue Reading

AccessAbility Day fulfills long-time desire to meet the needs of those with differing abilities

Katie Cotton has lots of people in her immediate circle who live with disabilities. It has helped inform her perspective and guide her interactions with those who may need special accommodations. So when her employer Bandwidth stepped in to sponsor AccessAbility Day at the State Fair — a first for the fair – she was thrilled for what that would mean for others. And even for people who might not see themselves as needing a special accommodation for accessibility. “Almost every single one of us will need accommodations at some point in our lives. Some of us are born with…

Continue Reading