Each year the N.C. State Fair features dozens of competitions, across all different types of categories. If you think you have what it takes to enter or even win a ribbon, now is the time to enter before registration closes on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 11:59 p.m.
“State Fair competitions are where people from all across North Carolina are really able to show off their talents,” said Kent Yelverton, N.C. State Fair director. “Being a ribbon winner is a big accomplishment and with so many different competitions there are lots of chances to win, but you cannot win if you don’t enter.”
The range of competitions include categories such as fruit and vegetable production, art and photography, sculptures, sewing, decoration, essay writing, baking and much more.
This year’s fair will also include several new competitions, including plein air art, country ham, egg show, Diamond art, paper flowers, amateur winemaking, fruit leather and freeze-dried foods, agricultural displays, wreaths and performing arts competitions.
Sept. 15 is also the deadline to register for 11 different cooking challenges taking place at the fair. There will be two separate categories, one for amateur home cooks and a professional class. These competitions will be held daily in the North Lobby of Dorton Arena and winners of each category will walk away with prize money — $250 for first place, $150 for second place and $100 for third place. This year’s Home Chef Challenge schedule is as follows:
- Thursday, Oct. 15, at 4 p.m. - Blue Ribbon Brunch Board Challenge
- Friday, Oct. 16, at 11 a.m. - Holy Guacamole! Challenge
- Saturday, Oct. 17, at 11 a.m. - Boo-zy Sweet Treat Challenge - Presented by Distillers Association of North Carolina
- Sunday, Oct. 18, at 11 a.m. - Delightful Dips Challenge
- Monday, Oct. 19, at 11 a.m. – Sweetpotato Showdown Challenge
- Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 11 a.m. - "Cheez-y Does It!" Cheez-It Challenge
- Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 11 a.m. - Bless Your Tart! Challenge
- Thursday, Oct. 22, at 11 a.m. - "East to West" Pork BBQ Challenge - Presented by Smithfield Foods
- Friday, Oct. 23, at 11 a.m. - "Nutty By Nature" Peanut Candy Challenge
- Saturday, Oct. 24, at 11 a.m. - "Stew-pendous" Brunswick Stew Challenge
- Sunday, Oct. 25, at 11 a.m. - "Layer It Up" Lasagna Challenge
Information on how to enter competitions can be found on the State Fair’s website, ncstatefair.org. Under the “Competitions” tab, you will find everything to know about categories, rules and deadlines. Read the General Entries Premium Book and Livestock Entries Premium Book for detailed descriptions of competitions, rules and item drop-off dates. Online registration and paper entry forms are found under the “Forms and General Rules” tab in each department.
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