Talia Gray, Features Editor 

One of the most beloved fall traditions has returned to North Carolina. That’s right, the N.C. State Fair began on October 16 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, North Carolina. The first North Carolina State Fair was hosted by the State Agricultural Society in 1853. Today, the fair is hosted by the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and supported by a number of sponsors, including but not limited to the NC Education Lottery, Sesame Street, T-Mobile, and Tractor Supply Co. According to their website, “The North Carolina State Fair’s mission is to showcase and promote the state’s agriculture, agribusiness, arts, crafts, and culture through the annual agricultural fair.” Attending the fair is an opportunity to see what North Carolina has to offer. So, if you want to experience the wide variety of food, games, shows, and roller coasters that North Carolina has to offer, consider making a trip to the fair before it ends on October 26. 

Things to do 

The State Fair has many different attractions to choose from alongside its scheduled events, so I would recommend allotting a few hours—or even two visits—to ensure that you have a worthwhile experience. If this is your first time visiting the State Fair, you might be overwhelmed by all the options available when you first arrive, so I’m here to give you some recommendations for things to do to optimize your visit. 

One of the very first things you’ll notice about the fair is the abundance of different food vendors throughout the fairgrounds. My go-to formula for purchasing food at the State Fair (as well as other large festivals) is threefold: I always get something sweet, something savory, and something I’ve never had before. Of course, some of the categories may overlap depending on what you choose, so I will simply divide my recommendations into sweet and savory. 

One of the most sought-after fair desserts is funnel cake. Who would have imagined that deep-fried piped dough topped with powdered sugar could be so delicious?  

 Not to mention that many vendors offer a breadth of toppings, like strawberries, whipped cream, or chocolate syrup, for those craving a bit more decadence. Alongside funnel cakes, you may also want to try deep-fried Oreos (Oreo cookies that have been battered and deep-fried) or elephant ears (deep-fried dough that is flat and heart-shaped), as they are typically offered by the same vendors. As you may have noticed, deep-fried sweets are a staple of the State Fair. 

Some other sweet treats you may want to consider while you are at the fair are candy apples. Candy apples are the perfect treat for fall lovers who want a break from pumpkin spice flavors. At the fair, you can find a plethora of variations of this classic autumn treat, with different flavors in the apple’s candied coating. Additionally, the fair offers several other classic baked goods, like cookies (and edible cookie dough) and cupcakes, for those who may want a more familiar and comforting dessert. 

On to our savory options: at the State Fair, you are almost guaranteed to see several people enjoying what appears to be a giant drumstick, otherwise known as a turkey leg. Turkey legs are a particularly convenient fair food, as they do not require a plate or utensils. Most turkey legs you’ll find will either be smoked or roasted, but no matter the preparation, they are consistently delicious. If you choose to try a turkey leg, I recommend purchasing it early in your visit, as it can be quite filling and time-consuming to eat. 

I would also recommend taking the opportunity to try international cuisines at the fair. Your options may range from jerk chicken to falafel to bulgogi. Several vendors offer interesting fusion dishes and specialty items that you may not be able to find anywhere else. 

Of course, the State Fair is more than just a buffet of good food. There are several other activities one can enjoy during their visit. One of my favorite things to do at the fair is play games for cool prizes. While some of the games mirror ones you may see at a local arcade (like basketball hoops or Whack-a-Mole–style games), there are others that you will more than likely only see at fairs or festivals. My personal favorite falls into this category: the Water Gun Race, or the Spray ’n’ Race. Just as the name suggests, competitors must aim a water-streaming device at their target, and whichever player collects the most water first wins. The game itself is relatively simple, which encourages people to have fun and engage in lighthearted competition. The prizes for most games like this are stuffed toys—either cute animals or popular media characters—which make for nice souvenirs to remember your time at the fair. 

The State Fair also features a wide range of small roller coasters for visitors to try. For many, the rides are the main attraction of the fair, but if you’re averse to heights, the N.C. State Fair features three different Ferris wheels that vary in size. If you are feeling particularly brave (and prepared to wait in line), I would encourage you to try the largest Ferris wheel at the center of the fairgrounds.  

Planning your visit 

If you’re ready to plan your visit to the State Fair, I recommend planning ahead and visiting their website for more information on costs. Please see the chart below for ticket prices: 

 

(link for the full chart: https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/nc-state-fair/buy-tickets-now) 

For those who intend to ride lots of roller coasters, you may want to consider investing in ride tickets ($1 per ticket or $18 for 18 tickets when purchased online) or an unlimited ride wristband ($40). While there is free parking available at the fair, I would recommend that fairgoers come prepared to pay $10–$25 for parking, just in case lots fill up. 

If this is your first trip to the State Fair, be prepared to move around a lot. I would recommend wearing comfortable clothes and shoes. Be sure to review the fair’s accessibility guide for information on accommodations. Again, I would recommend allotting a few hours to spend at the fair or being open to making more than one visit. 

The NC State Fair is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. So, if you have the time and opportunity, visit the State Fair this fall!