On the Horizon

Late summer and fall represent the bulk of fair season across the state, with county fairs and state fairs being held.

These annual events celebrate North Carolina’s rich agricultural history and the skills and talents of its people,

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services hosts two annual fairs -- the N.C. Mountain State Fair in Fletcher and the N.C. State Fair in Raleigh.

The N.C. Mountain State Fair runs Sept. 11-20 at the Western N.C. Ag Center in Fletcher. This year’s theme is “How the West Was Fun.” Go to www.mountainfari.org for more information.

The N.C. State Fair will be held Oct. 15-25 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. This year’s theme is “A Whole Lotta Happy.” Go to www.ncstatefair.org/2009.

In addition to the two state-run fairs, there are nearly 50 county fairs held across North Carolina. To find a list of county fair dates, go to www.ncagfairs.org/upevents.html.