Press Releases
There is no time like fair time and now is the time to save money and get a jump on planning your trip to the 2025 N.C. State Fair, happening Oct. 16-26 in Raleigh. Discount advance tickets can be purchased online now through Oct. 16. Tickets can also be purchased daily at the Dorton Arena kiosk and walk-up tickets will be available from Oct. 3 through 16 at Gate 9 at the fairgrounds.
N.C. Forest Service (NCFS) Richmond County Ranger Brandon Van Buren has been named recipient of the 2025 State Forester’s Prescribed Burning Award. Van Buren began his NCFS career as an assistant county ranger in Anson County in 2014. He’s held the role of Richmond County ranger since October 2021.
The countdown is on with the N.C. Mountain State Fair just a month away. Six new entertainment acts will make their debuts at the fair, rounding out a thrilling lineup of fun, games, food, agriculture, rides and more. Back for its 31st year, the fair will run Sept. 5-14 at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher.
RALEIGH – Beat the heat with slices of a summertime favorite at Watermelon Day at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh Thursday, Aug. 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Do you know a farm family deserving of recognition? The N.C. State Fair is accepting applications for the Farm Family of the Day program, sponsored by Tractor Supply Company.
Starting Aug.1, county governments and conservation nonprofit groups may apply for grant funding from the N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund for farmland preservation projects. A new application format for all grant proposals is required this year. All interested applicants must complete the Intent to Apply section by Aug. 29 to be eligible to complete the full application.
RALEIGH — Farmers markets across North Carolina will join markets nationwide in celebrating National Farmers Market Week, Aug. 3-9, spotlighting the vital role farmers markets play in supporting local agriculture, boosting rural economies, strengthening communities and expanding access to fresh, healthy food.
“We are certainly tickled to be selected as a regional hub,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We have a long-standing partnership with USDA with National Agricultural Statistics Service offices housed in our building for many years, and we look forward to continuing to build on this partnership. We will work with them on whatever they need.
COLFAX – You can find homegrown happiness in a slice of N.C. watermelon. To celebrate this favorite summertime fruit, the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market will host Watermelon Day, Thursday, July 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Market visitors will have the opportunity to sample different watermelon varieties, meet the N.C. Watermelon Queen Elizabeth Steinlage and have the chance to talk to the farmers who work tirelessly to produce N.C. watermelons.