The synchronized sounds from the shoes of cloggers, the aroma of sweet treats in the air, and the incredible view of the Blue Ridge from atop a Ferris wheel are sure signs the North Carolina Mountain State Fair is underway. The event kicked off Sept. 11 at the WNC Agriculture Center outside of Asheville and has been highlighting the best of North Carolina agriculture since it began 32 years ago.
“It’s the best way to walk around the mountains and meet some great neighbors,” said Glenn Lamb of Fairview. He used to take a week of vacation from work and visit all ten days to enjoy a variety of entertainment and his favorite fair foods. Now that he’s retired, it’s even easier for him to visit every day and take it all in. “Root beer tastes better when you’re walking around a place like this,” he joked, on his way to get his first corn dog this year.
Many other guests joined Glenn for the fair’s kickoff, including several school groups admitted free for Student Day. As they strolled the fairgrounds, they discovered plenty of entries vying for blue ribbons.
“The fair has seen strong interest in its competitive exhibits this year,” said Jeff Barham, general manager of the North Carolina Mountain State Fair. “We have nearly 5,700 entries in the Oakwood Homes Expo Building and close to 3,300 entries in our livestock competitions. There’s something special for every visitor.” Several competitions saw an increase in entries including preserved foods, very special art and penmanship. The Horticulture competition saw the largest jump in entries with a 66 percent increase over last year.
The Fair’s opening day was full of traditions, including a patriotic opening ceremony featuring the North Carolina Forest Service Honor Guard and regional FFA officers. Local firefighters from the West Buncombe Fire Department shared a bell ceremony as a special commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
In the afternoon, North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler inducted two people into the Livestock Hall of Fame. Mark Mills, the Fair’s assistant superintendent of livestock shows, and Cameron Greene, who recently retired as assistant manager of the WNC Agriculture Center, were honored in a ceremony in McGough Arena.
“The North Carolina Mountain State Fair is truly a gift,” Commissioner Troxler shared. “It brings people together and educates them while they’re having fun doing it. With so much to do, it’s easy to fill up a whole day, even several days. We look forward to having everyone visit.”
By dusk, the midway lights illuminated the mountains as guests boarded rides from mild to wild into the night, and capped off their visit with funnel cakes, ice cream, and other sweet and savory treats.
The North Carolina Mountain State Fair continues through Sept. 20. Click here to learn more, purchase tickets, and get set to make lasting memories.
