Press Releases
The N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund has awarded $51.2 million in grants to help protect working farms and forests and support North Carolina’s agricultural economy.
From mountain vineyards and apple country to the Sandhills and coastal plain, North Carolina’s craft beverage industry will be on display when the N.C. Wine, Cider and Mead Garden returns to the N.C. State Fair, Oct. 15-25.Located in Heritage Circle near the Blacksmith Shop, the garden will offer fairgoers an opportunity to discover the diversity of wines, hard ciders and meads produced across the state. The lineup ranges from dry and traditional styles to sweet wines, muscadine wines, fruit-forward ciders and honey-based meads, proving there truly is “a taste for everyone.”
RALEIGH – The N.C. State Fair starts in less than three weeks. This weekend is the last weekend for the flea market before the fairgrounds close to the public to allow for fair preparations. "The weather this weekend looks perfect for enjoying the outdoors," said Kent Yelverton, N.C. State Fair director. "It's a great time to come to the fairgrounds and check out the indoor and outdoor vendors on site." The Raleigh Market will close at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27, and will re-open at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7.
The N.C. State Fair has a history of blending tradition with fun new additions and that continues with the return of the 2026 N.C. State Fair, Oct. 15-25. This year’s lineup of new additions includes the 230-foot-tall America 250 Wheel, two new spectacular midway rides, an Americana 250 Band Organ, over 80 new and creative food items, and the return of the One-Man Band musical performer and country ham competitions.
As fall wildfire season begins in North Carolina, the N.C. Forest Service is urging the public to take extra care with outdoor burning. Wildfire activity typically increases from October through early December, when falling leaves, dry vegetation and changing weather conditions can allow fires to spread quickly.
The N.C. State Fair is proud to hold Duke Energy Military Appreciation Day to celebrate and pay special tribute to all active and former military service and guard members on Wednesday, Oct. 21. With proof of identification, military personnel plus up to three guests will receive free entry into the fair on this day.
The North Carolina Mountain State Fair wrapped up its 10-day run at the WNC Agricultural Center Sunday, capping a year that saw strong attendance, a successful canned food drive benefiting the MANNA FoodBank and competitive livestock and horticulture shows highlighting some of the best of Western N.C. agriculture. The fair drew 153,260 fairgoers over the 10 days.
WHO/WHAT: The North Carolina Sentinel Landscape Committee will hold a meeting to hear committee member reports, review the annual report and conduct other Sentinel Landscape business. WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 23, 10:30 a.m.WHERE: Hall of Fame Room, Agriculture Building - 2 W. Edenton St., Raleigh.The public may also join the meeting via conference number 984-204-1487. The conference ID is 286 866 909, followed by the # key.
Fall is a time for planting and preparing for the upcoming growing season. It is also a good time to submit soil samples to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for agronomic recommendations specific to what you are growing.
The North Carolina Specialty Foods Association (NCSFA) recently announced the winners of its 2026 Best in Taste Awards, the state’s premier recognition honoring excellence and innovation among North Carolina’s artisan and specialty food producers. This year’s competition featured entries across 11 product categories, reflecting the depth and diversity of the state’s thriving specialty food community.