Press Releases

September marks the peak of grape season in North Carolina and to celebrate this tasty fruit, the Charlotte Regional Farmer’s Market, the N.C. Muscadine Grape Association and the N.C. Wine and Grape Council will host Muscadine Day Friday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids of all ages can sample muscadine grapes at the event and there will be muscadine wine tastings for those 21 and over. Muscadine grapes and refreshing muscadine slushies will also be available to purchase at the event and visitors can play a game for a chance to win muscadine grape juice. 
The N.C. State Fair is quickly approaching. This weekend marks the last before The Raleigh Market temporarily leaves the fairgrounds to make room for the N.C. State Fair. The Raleigh Market will close on Sunday, Sept. 25, at 5 p.m. and remain closed through the month of October. It re-opens Saturday, Nov. 5.
Organic growers in North Carolina can apply for partial reimbursement of the cost of becoming certified or for recertification through a program offered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.Growers who are certified or recertified between Oct. 1, 2021 and Sept. 30, 2022, can apply for assistance through the program. 
Organic growers in North Carolina can apply for partial reimbursement of the cost of becoming certified or for recertification through a program offered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.Growers who are certified or recertified between Oct. 1, 2021 and Sept. 30, 2022, can apply for assistance through the program. 
Results were announced for several livestock shows held during the 2022 N.C. Mountain State Fair. Following is a list of winners named in the livestock shows held during the week and second weekend of the fair, Sept. 12-18:Llama Performance Champions
The N.C. Mountain State Fair wrapped up a successful run with a total attendance of 159,575, a strong showing assisted by near perfect weather. The fair also saw a record number of youth participating in livestock competitions this year.“We measure success in many different ways and by every measure it was a great fair,” said fair general manager Sean McKeon. “We saw a lot of smiles and happy faces, we saw a record number of youth participating in livestock shows, we helped give back to our community through Ingles Day and the fair helped families create many special memories.
With Oct. 13-23 just around the corner, the N.C. State Fair is busy gearing up to welcome new grounds entertainment, new competitions and a new special event at the NC Public House. Fairgoers may also notice the addition of a new entry gate off Youth Center Road, a new parking lot option and additional ticket buying kiosks near the gates.
Results were announced for several livestock shows held during the 2022 N.C. Mountain State Fair. Following is a list of winners named in the livestock shows held during the first weekend of the fair, Sept. 9-11:ARBA Youth Rabbit Show
 Buncombe County residents continue to shine at the 2022 N.C. Mountain State Fair cooking competitions. Susie Zuerner placed first in the North Carolina Cattlemen’s Beef Council’s Classic Comfort Food competition. Liam Robertson took first place in the North Carolina Egg Association’s Coffee Cake recipe contest.
The first semifinal audition for the NC Ag Star Talent Search, a vocal competition for singer/songwriters, will be held Friday, Sept. 16, at the N.C. Mountain State Fair in the Chevrolet Davis Event Center. Anyone between the ages of 13 and 22 years who thinks they have what it takes to be an NC Ag Star is encouraged to register by visiting NCAgStar.com.Registration/check-in is open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with auditions closing at 4 p.m. Walk-up registrations are also welcome.