What is the NC State Fair? Should My Family Go?

This is one of those questions that new people always ask. What is the fair?  Should we go?  Well here’s my quick answer…GO!  If you are living in the Triangle area already or even just North Carolina, you need to experience it at least once.  My family and I go every year.  Is it crowded? Yes!, but there is so much to see and do.  The fair begins this Thursday, October 12th and continues until October 22nd.  Going on a weekday morning may be the best time to go to avoid crowds.  My family and I often go on a Sunday morning around 9 and park near Carter Finley Stadium.

The fair includes all different types of attractions including livestock, produce, performers, Made in NC products, rides, food, local television personalities, music, flower gardens, art, and much more.  My family and I have a very specific system when we go. We always start in an area with helicopters and planes my kids can see.  We then go to the garden area and walk through.  Last year my husband and I actually were able to get away to a date night at the fair and it was awesome because we were able to see the garden section lit up.  It was truly beautiful and a completely unique experience.  Some other highlights of our trip are milking cows from the NC State Veterinary School.  This is fun for all ages and something you just don’t get to do everyday.  Once you’re done, you get to choose a carton of milk made from the cows at NC State!  We see all the animals and livestock, the giant vegetables like watermelons, squash, and pumpkins, etc.  Our kids usually ride some of the kiddie rides earlier in the day so we don’t have too much of a line!  We enjoy some of the exhibits and always sample locally NC made pickles from Mt. Olive!  If you go at night, stay to watch the fireworks show at 9:45 every night.  Definitely take it all in and enjoy your time with family and friends at the fair.  It is something we look forward to every year.  My New Yorker husband loves it too!

For more information about the fair, check out the schedule and overview!

If you’re able to make it this year, post your thoughts, I would love to hear about your experience!