RALEIGH – The N.C. State Fair wrapped up 11 fun-filled days with mostly sunny skies, strong attendance, and a record Junior Livestock Sale of Champions. Total attendance was 910, 584.
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WHO/WHAT:
The N.C. State Fair mock tobacco auction, featuring retired auctioneers and tobacco company buyers recreating a typical tobacco auction. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will also be on hand.
WHEN/WHERE:
Friday, Oct. 23, 2 p.m. in Tobacco Pavilion in Heritage Circle
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
EDITORS – Please note this is a highly visual event that makes for great video, audio and engaging photos.
WHO/WHAT: The N.C. State Fair is proud to hold Duke Energy Military Appreciation Day to celebrate and pay special tribute to all active and former military service and guard members on Wednesday, Oct. 21. With proof of identification, military personnel plus up to three guests will receive free entry into the fair on this day.
WHEN/WHERE: Wednesday, Oct. 21
N.C. State Fairgrounds, Raleigh
The Benson Nites team returned to the winner’s circle in the N.C. State Fair’s Tobacco Stringing Contest Friday, Oct. 17. The team, made up of Nancy Stewart, Susie Allen and Debbie Barbour, all of Benson, posted the fastest time and the highest points in the judging of the stick of tobacco.
Stewart looped the stick of tobacco in 1:03.47 and earned 68 out of 70 points for quality. The Benson Nites took home $250 in prize money.
The judges have spoken, and the best of the ham has been crowned. After a 27-year absence, the N.C. State Fair Country Ham Competition returned Thursday, Oct. 15, celebrating the salt, smoke and craftsmanship behind one of North Carolina’s most beloved food traditions.
Presented by North Carolina Farm Bureau, the competition recognized country ham producers and enthusiasts whose entries reflect the patience, skill and knowledge passed down through generations.
Annual N.C. State Fair tobacco looping/tying contest to be held Friday at 2 p.m. in Heritage Circle
WHO/WHAT:
The pumpkins and the watermelons had their BIG day at the fair in Tuesday’s giant pumpkin and watermelon competition. The winning entries will be on display in the Agri Supply Expo Center for fairgoers to see and photograph at the N.C. State Fair, Oct. 15-25.
RALEIGH — From mountain vineyards and apple country to the Sandhills and coastal plain, North Carolina’s craft beverage industry will be on display when the N.C. Wine, Cider and Mead Garden returns to the N.C. State Fair, Oct. 15-25.
WHO/WHAT:
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will officially open the 158th N.C. State Fair with a short ribbon-cutting ceremony. Following the ceremony, fairgoers are invited to check out the recently completed 32,000-square-foot food hall and meeting facility that will house five fair-time food vendors this year.
WHEN/WHERE:
RALEIGH – From fresh North Carolina seafood and sweet potatoes to locally raised beef and Southern favorites with a modern twist, the Got to Be NC Cooking Stage is serving up a delicious celebration of North Carolina agriculture at the 2026 N.C. State Fair, Oct. 15-25.