NC Commissioner Troxler: State Fair Competitions are Open – Southern Farm Network

You would expect the competition to be extra strong for the N.C. State Fair, after all it represents the best of the best of North Carolina, so people start planning early on what they intend to enter at the Fair. Competition entries are being accepted now through Sept. 15 for those planning to compete in the fall. Also, advance tickets can be purchased now online. Find out more details at www.ncstatefair.org.

• Many people start making their State Fair plans early and that is especially true for people who are entering competitions.
• But if you think about it, it makes sense, because the N.C. State Fair competitions represent the best of the best of North Carolina.
• When you see some of the handicrafts, wood working, art and clothing entries at the Fair each year and look at the animals in the show rings, you can definitely see why people have to plan ahead.  

• Some of the quilts, needlecraft and handmade dresses and other entries represents hours and hours of work.

• The flowers and plants also require a lot of work and tending to so they are ready and beautiful for the fall show.

• Listeners may not realize that our flower competition drew the most entries in 2023 at 9,133 over the course of three different show periods.

• For anyone interested in competing in any of the categories, the entry period is open now through Sept. 15.

• We have added a 3D printed model or figure sculpture in adult amateur, teen and youth divisions in the handicrafts category.

• Participants in the flower arranging competitions will find some fun themes such as “Year of the Dragon 2024,” “Mama Said So” – which are designs that remind you of your mother, “Shell Game” – a design that includes brown chicken eggs and “Fair Weather Friend,” an arrangement inspired by the State Fair.

• I encourage anyone interested in entering a competition to go online at www.ncstatefair.org and read over the different categories and decide what you would like to enter and sign up now.

• Also, if you like to plan ahead and want to save some money, you can also buy your advance tickets online now.

• It’s a great way to save money, plus save time when you get to the State Fair because you already have your tickets.

• We’ll talk more about the fair as we move closer to October, but go ahead and mark your calendar for Oct. 17-27.