North Carolina Mountain State Fair runs Sept. 11-20
The N.C. Mountain State Fair plans to offer up plenty of family fun Sept. 11-20 at the Western N.C. Ag Center in Fletcher. This year’s theme is “How the West was Fun,” and fairgoers will find plenty of their favorite activities and exhibits.
The annual fall event, which draws nearly 200,000 annually, is expected to unveil two new features this year – an Arts and Crafts Building and an Exposition Building. In addition, fairgoers will find the Livestock Sales Arena has undergone significant renovations and improvements.
“We are excited about the new buildings and the improvements and what they will mean to the fairgrounds,” said Matt Buchanan, fair manager. “These new facilities are the first additions to the grounds in many years, and they will provide much improved space to showcase the talents and skills of Western North Carolina residents.”
This year also marks the return of the popular chair lift, which gives visitors a spectacular birds-eye view of the grounds set against a mountain backdrop.
Returning attractions include the racing pigs of the Hogway Speedway, Dixie Starlight Express featuring cowgirls and flags on horseback, antique tractor and farm equipment show, a chainsaw artist, magic shows, herding dog shows, clogging competition, gospel and mountain music competitions, arts and crafts and more.
Four national artists will take the stage in McGough Arena for premium concerts. Country music starts things off with Jake Owen performing Sept. 15 and newcomer Randy Houser performing Sept. 16. Contemporary Christian band 33 Miles will perform Sept. 17, and bluegrass performers The Travelin McCourys with Tony Rice will be on stage Sept. 20. Tickets for these premium concerts are $5 each, with shows starting at 7:30 p.m.
Local performers have the chance to showcase their singing and dancing talents in competitions on several stages. Lightning-quick cloggers get things started Sept. 11 and 12 in McGough Arena in the N.C. Mountain State Fair Clogging Championship. This competition draws some of the very best cloggers in a region well-known for its clogging excellence.
A Gospel Singing Competition for youth, adults and groups will be held Sept. 12 on the Heritage Stage. A Mountain Music: Bluegrass and Old-time Music competition will be held nightly Sept. 11-19 on the Heritage Stage.
Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for kids 6-12 and seniors 65 and up. Ride sheets are $12 during the fair or $6 in advance. Advance admission tickets offer $1 savings for adults and $.50 savings for kids and seniors.
Advance tickets can be purchased in person at the WNC Ag Center in Fletcher or the WNC Farmers Market in Asheville.
The fair offers the following special discount days:
- Student Day, Sept. 11 – free admission for students K-12 until 6 p.m.
- Ingles Day, Sept. 16– free admission with 5 cans of Laura Lynn brand food products.
- Senior Day, Sept. 18 – free admission all day for seniors 65 and up.
Go to www.mountainfair.org for more information.
