Press Releases

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.

 FLETCHER – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler inducted two men into the N.C. Mountain State Fair Livestock Hall of Fame during the fair’s opening weekend. Troxler recognized Jerry Plemmons and Jerry Roberts, both lifelong Buncombe County residents, for their longtime support to the fair and the livestock industry in Western North Carolina.

FLETCHER – The 2022 N.C. Mountain State Fair cooking competitions are off to a great start for Jennifer Currie of Clyde, after she won first place this weekend in both the tomato and trout cooking contests.

Seafood processors, dealers and processing vessels who were financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for relief funds through a new grant program administered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. 

The N.C. Specialty Foods Association recently announced winners in its 2022 awards competition, withAlley Twenty Six  of Chapel Hill named Grand Champion for its passion fruit syrup. A total of 142 entries were in competition across 11 categories. The complete list of winners by category follows:Baked Goods

WHAT:Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will officially open the 2022 N.C. Mountain State Fair with a short ribbon cutting ceremony.WHEN:Friday, Sept. 9, noonWHERE:Western N.C. Ag Center Heritage Circle stageWHO:Agriculture Commissioner Steve TroxlerSean McKeon, N.C. Mountain State Fair general managerJim Drew, Drew ExpositionsN.C. Apple Ambassador