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NC State Fair - Top Stories

Three vendors are anchors at State Fair
N.C. State Fair busts attendance record
More people went to the North Carolina State Fair in 2009 than in any other year, officials announced Monday. This year's fair broke a two-year-old record by nearly 20,000.
  1. Oct. 26, 2009 | Slideshow
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Military looks for new recruits at State Fair
If you attended the North Carolina State Fair this year, you likely saw military recruiters. Despite the job hazards presented by wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, active duty and reserve recruiting numbers are up.
  1. Oct. 25, 2009 | Watch Video
Blue-ribbon State Fair recipe
Youngsville woman wins four State Fair cooking contests
A Youngsville woman took home four blue ribbons and got recognition for her culinary flair at the North Carolina State Fair this year.
  1. Oct. 25, 2009 | Watch Video
Three vendors are anchors at State Fair
State Fair sets fourth attendance record
The 2009 North Carolina State Fair set a fourth single-day attendance record when more than 90,000 people entered the gates Friday.
  1. Oct. 24, 2009
Maw Hutto makes a batch of biscuits
Biscuit, bowl makers are fair neighbors
Maw Hutto makes a batch of biscuits and James Madren makes some beautiful bowls. Both have been featured on the Tar Heel Traveler and they are actually neighbors each year at the State Fair.
  1. Oct. 23, 2009 | Watch Video
Three vendors are anchors at State Fair
Vendors have long history at fair
McBride’s, Ed’s Foot Longs and Al’ French Fries have sold food for 191 years combined.
  1. Oct. 23, 2009
2009 State Fair graphic
State Fair surging toward close
As the 2009 State Fair enters its final weekend, it's on pace to match the record attendance of two years ago, officials said.
  1. Oct. 23, 2009
Can Day at the State Fair, Hunger Relief Day
Fair feeds the hungry on can day
People can get into the State Fair for free on Thursday by bringing canned goods for the Food Bank of Central and Eastern N.C.
  1. Oct. 22, 2009
This is the 62nd year of the Folk Festival.
Folk Festival celebrates 62 years
The Folk Festival is a daily competition at the State Fair. Performers are judged on skill, showmanship and enthusiasm.
  1. Oct. 22, 2009
Fair is family tradition for some
Fair is family tradition for some
The State Fair brought Danny Coghill's family together.
  1. Oct. 21, 2009 | Slideshow
Boy and his goat make debut at N.C. State Fair.
Boy and his goat compete at State Fair
Andy VanJaarsveld and his goat, Miss Q, competed for the first time at the N.C. State Fair.
  1. Oct. 21, 2009
police
Law enforcement officers work to keep the fair safe
Fairground security personnel meet every day to evaluate the State Fair's security needs. Among the issues the fair has address this year was a stabbing Saturday night.
  1. Oct. 20, 2009 | Watch Video
N.C. State Fair continues 'green' push
N.C. State Fair continues 'green' push
The North Carolina State Fair is a celebration of agriculture, and organizers want to make the event an occasion to give back to Mother Earth.
  1. Oct. 20, 2009 | Slideshow | Watch Video
Sunday will be cloudy and chilly for the State Fair.
Cool weather doesn't deter fairgoers
Temperatures for the opening weekend of the North Carolina State Fair are about 25 degrees lower than last year. But attendance is up more than 20 percent.
  1. Oct. 18, 2009
State Fair forecast - Oct. 17-19, 2009
Recession, chilly temps don't keep State Fair down
North Carolina State Fair officials don't think the recession or chillier-than-normal temperatures will keep away visitors – or keep the fair from making a profit.
  1. Oct. 18, 2009 | Watch Video
State Fair opening
N.C. State Fair kicks off a 'whole lotta fun'
A "whole lotta happy" – from tobacco stringing to "Guitar Hero" championships – got kicked off at a ceremony Friday morning marking the official start of the 2009 State Fair.
  1. Oct. 16, 2009 | Watch Video
flu
State Fair protects swine from H1N1
North Carolina State Fair officials reemphasized Friday that measures are in place to guard against H1N1 after preliminary tests show three pigs in Minnesota may have contracted the virus making them the first potential U.S. cases in swine.
  1. Oct. 17, 2009 | Watch Video
Missing money could be just a click away
Here's how to find money at the fair
The Department of the State Treasurer is encouraging North Carolinians to stop by the NC Cash booth during visits to the State Fair over the next 10 days.
  1. Oct. 16, 2009 | Watch Video
Fair Food: Fried Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
State fairgoers need a sweet tooth
Chocolate-covered bacon, deep-fried pickles and funnel cakes are only a few of the sweet foods that tempt visitors to the N.C. State Fair.
  1. Oct. 16, 2009 | Slideshow | Watch Video
Fair-goers shield themselves from weather, flu
Fair-goers shield themselves from weather, flu
The opening day of the North Carolina State Fair brought rain and cooler temperatures. Fair-goers shielded themselves from the elements and also got a chance to protect themselves from the seasonal flu.
  1. Oct. 15, 2009 | Watch Video
state fair preps
State Fair vendors prep for cold start
Vendors preparing for the North Carolina State Fair say they aren’t deterred by the threat of a cold, damp opening day.
  1. Oct. 14, 2009 | Watch Video
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Finalists selected for Subway, State Fair songwriting contest
Five aspiring songwriters will compete next week at the North Carolina State Fair in the Subway “ $5 Footlong Song Challenge.”
  1. Oct. 16, 2009
State Fair 2008
On a budget? State Fair fun doesn't have to break the bank
Advance ride tickets can also be purchased and at various retail locations. The fair is offering a special priced sheet of 18 ride tickets for $10.
  1. Oct. 14, 2009 | Watch Video
State fair officials: Got the flu? Stay home
Crews inspect State Fair rides
As of Wednesday afternoon, 65 of the rides passed inspection.
  1. Oct. 14, 2009
2008 N.C. State Fair ribbon winners 1
Blue ribbon fever heats up State Fair
Entries in State Fair competitions have jumped by nearly in fifth in all but one category. Fair officials said the recession likely spurred interest in categories such as horticulture, which grew by nearly two-thirds.
  1. Oct. 10, 2009 | Slideshow
State Fair job applications could lead to full-time work
State Fair job applications could lead to full-time work
Officials said having the Employment Security Commission handle fair applications could help match some unemployed people with other job openings.
  1. Oct. 9, 2009 | Watch Video
North Carolina State Fair
Dudley man remembers the State Fair of 1959
Danny Coghill was 3 years old when his father took him and his 5-year-old brother, David, to the 1959 North Carolina State Fair.
  1. Oct. 6, 2009
AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day
Tracker attends AKC event in Raleigh
The North Carolina State Fairgrounds hosted the American Kennel Club Responsible Dog Ownership Day on Saturday.
  1. Sep. 26, 2009 | Slideshow
N.C. State Fair
Fairgrounds to host football fans, dog lovers, decorators
Football fans, dog lovers and decorating enthusiasts will pack the North Carolina State Fairgrounds this weekend, which could create traffic congestion on Blue Ridge and Trinity roads.
  1. Sep. 25, 2009 | Watch Video
2009 State Fair
Malls to sell advance State Fair tickets
Five central North Carolina malls will have advance tickets to the 2009 North Carolina State Fair for sale, beginning Oct. 1.
  1. Sep. 24, 2009
2009 State Fair
State Fair looking for temporary workers
If you want to work at the 2009 N.C. State Fair, applications are being accepted at the two Wake County offices of the state Employment Security Commission.
  1. Sep. 23, 2009
Flea market to close in advance of State Fair
The Raleigh Flea Market at the State Fairgrounds will offer one more weekend of deals before closing to allow preparation for the N.C. State Fair.
  1. Sep. 23, 2009
2009 State Fair
Ticket sales up for N.C. State Fair
So far, the fair has sold 16,800 admission tickets, according to spokeswoman Carly Justice. The total is double the number of ticket sales sold this same time last year.
  1. Sep. 22, 2009
Have the flu? N.C. wants you to stay away from fairs
The state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services wants anyone with flulike symptoms to stay away from county and state fairs this year.
  1. Aug. 4, 2009
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N.C. State Fair attendance off from 2007 highs
Overall, attendance in 2008 was off 11 percent from last year, but in line with the 20-year average.
  1. Oct 27, 2008 | Watch Video
Fair at Night
State Fair battling bad weather, economy for visitors
Cloudy and rainy weather kept crowds down by as much as 20 percent the fair's first weekend, but attendance jumped with better weather in the middle of the week. Fair officials hope for a similar boost when Saturday's rain gives way to a sunny and mild Sunday.
  1. Oct 25, 2008 | Watch Video
State Fair 2008
Reflecting on the fair: The rides, the history, the memories
As the State Fair wraps up, WRAL reporter Scott Mason finds out why it means so much to people.
  1. Oct 24, 2008
Beef appetizer winners announced
Beef appetizer winners announced
WRAL’s Brian Shrader meets with the winners of the beef appetizer recipe contest at the N.C. State Fair.
  1. Oct 24, 2008
Canned food drive update, specialty apple tasting
Canned food drive update, specialty apple tasting
WRAL’s Brian Shrader gives an update on how many canned foods were collected Thursday at the fair and showcases Debbie’s Specialty Apples.
  1. Oct 24, 2008
Flu shots still available at State Fair
Flu shots still available at the State Fair
Kerr Drug workers are giving shots from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the fair. No appointments are needed. Shots cost $30 and insurance is being accepted.
  1. Oct 24, 2008 | Watch Video
Deep-fried Oreo
State Fair wreaking havoc on your diet?
In a world where watching calories, carbs and fats is always good advice, we all know that a majority of fair food can wreak havoc on your diet.
  1. Oct 24, 2008 | Watch Video
Maw's biscuits
Maw bakes till she sees the lights of their eyes
Maw Hutto, 63, a biscuit baker at the State Fair, said she learned how to cook from her grandmother around a campfire in south Alabama.
  1. Oct 23, 2008 | Watch Video
Family farms fading
Family farms fading
More than a million acres of farmland have been lost over the past 12 years. Family farmers were honored on Thursday at the N.C. State Fair.
  1. Oct 23, 2008 | Watch Video
Subway pitchman visits State Fair
Subway pitchman visits State Fair
Jared Fogle, famous for losing weight by eating Subway sandwiches, stopped at the North Carolina State Fair on Wednesday to host the Pants Dance Revolution competition.
  1. Oct 22, 2008 | Watch Video
Pork challenge held at State Fair
Pork cooking challenge held at State Fair
WRAL reporter Brian Shrader interviews the winners of the N.C. Pork Council's Tarheel Pork Challenge.
  1. Oct 22, 2008
Military members sing at N.C. State Fair
Military members sing at State Fair
WRAL reporter Brian Shrader highlights the singing talents of local military members.
  1. Oct 22, 2008
Travis Baker Rhodes
Fair workers busted on ticket sales scam
Raleigh police charged two people working a ticket booth at the N.C. State Fair with embezzlement Monday.
  1. Oct 21, 2008
State Fair goes green
State Fair goes green
WRAL reporter Brian Shrader found out how the State Fair is going green this year.
  1. Oct 20, 2008
WRAL's Brian Shrader hugs it out at State Fair
WRAL's Brian Shrader hugs it out at State Fair
WRAL's Brian Shrader was at the State Fair Monday afternoon when a lady standing nearby had a simple request: could she get a hug?
  1. Oct 20, 2008
Man builds own coffin
Burial plan: Man wins prize for his own coffin
Grady Hunter will take his prize-winning entry in the N.C. State Fair to the grave.
  1. Oct 20, 2008 | Watch Video
Japanese ambassador visit N.C. State Fair
Japanese ambassador visits N.C. State Fair
While at the fair, Ichiro Fujisaki took a ride in the 13-foot-tall “Got to Be N.C. Big Cart” with state Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.
  1. Oct 19, 2008
DTV questions answered at State Fair
DTV questions answered at State Fair
Representatives from the National Association of Broadcasters are attending the State Fair to educate the public and answer questions about the upcoming digital television transition.
  1. Oct 18, 2008 | Watch Video
Folks take advantage of State Fair’s 'preview' day
State Fair attendance up in tens of thousands
Public Affairs Director Brian Long expects the State Fair to weather any challenges thrown at it by clouds, rain or the economy just fine.
  1. Oct 18, 2008 | Watch Video
State Fair workers live, work at fairgrounds
State fair workers live just outside gates
About 100 workers from around the country live in mobile homes parked outside of Gate 9.
  1. Oct 17, 2008 | Watch Video
Fair costs can add up
Fair trips can add up
With fees to park and enter, a trip to the State Fair can be expensive for some.
  1. Oct 17, 2008 | Watch Video
Amanda Watson
Fair opens under cloudy skies
N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler acknowledged the wet weather Friday and made it a chance to emphasize the indoor activities available at the fair, saying, "This is not a lost day."
  1. Oct 17, 2008 | Watch Video
State Fair 10/16
State Fair opens for business
On Thursday evening, 111 rides had been certified, according to the state Department of Labor. All rides are expected to be operating by Friday morning.
  1. Oct 16, 2008 | Slideshow | Watch Video
State Fair 10/16
State fair opens with roller-coaster naming contest
Fair-goers can submit names on the opening day Thursday for what the midway managers call the world's largest portable roller coaster. It now goes by its business name of Pinfari RC-48.
  1. Oct 16, 2008 | Watch Video
Ride inspections nearly complete for State Fair
Ride inspections nearly complete for State Fair
On Thursday morning, 101 rides had been certified, according to Jonathan Brooks, of the state Department of Labor. Nearly all rides were expected to be operating Thursday afternoon.
  1. Oct 16, 2008 | Watch Video
Flu Shot
Flu shots available at State Fair
Shots will cost $30 and insurance will be accepted. They will be given from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. No appointments are needed.
  1. Oct 15, 2008
Progress to buy biomass power
Progress Energy to offer free fluorescent light bulbs at fair
Progress Energy Carolinas is giving away 11,000 compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) to North Carolina State Fair attendees this year.
  1. Oct 14, 2008
state fair
Take a peek at the State Fair's new 'green' attractions
WRAL’s Scott Mason takes a look at some new sights this year at the North Carolina State Fair.
  1. Oct 15, 2008 | Watch Video
Durham bus tickets to fair are a steal
Durham bus tickets to fair are a steal
With high gas prices, a lot of people may choose to ride the bus this year to the midway.
  1. Oct 14, 2008 | Watch Video
Desperate job-seekers flock to State Fair
Desperate job-seekers flock to State Fair
People waited in line for as long as four or five hours Monday morning to submit an application with the state Employment Security Commission, which is screening people for jobs at the fair.
  1. Oct 13, 2008 | Watch Video
Roadside Environmental Unit prepares for State Fair
The N.C. Department of Transportation Roadside Environmental Unit will host a booth at the State Fair.
  1. Oct 13, 2008
Fair organizers focus on financially friendly experience
Apply for State Fair jobs starting Monday
The Employment Security Commission office will take applications starting Monday at Gate 10, at the intersection of Blue Ridge and Trinity roads.
  1. Oct 7, 2008
Fair organizers focus on financially friendly experience
Fair organizers focus on financially friendly experience
Visitors to the N.C. State Fair can park and ride on weekends from Chapel Hill and from Research Triangle Park.
  1. Oct 1, 2008 | Watch Video
N.C. State Fair 2006
State Fair walk-up ticket locations increase
Advance tickets are $5 for adults and $1 for children ages 6 to 12. Ticket goers buying in advance will save $2 per adult ticket and $8 per ride sheet.
  1. Oct 2, 2008
State Fair entry deadlines approaching
Time is running short to enter arts, crafts, flowers and plants for the 2008 N.C. State Fair competitions.
  1. Sep 19, 2008
State Fair generic
State Fair ticket sales begin
Admission, ride, grandstand and Dorton Arena entertainment tickets are available for online purchase.
  1. Aug 1, 2008
Bobby Flay
N.C. State Fair announces entertainment lineup
Two former reality TV contestants and a chef highlight N.C. State Fair’s 2008 entertainment lineup released Wednesday.
  1. Jul 3, 2008
State Fair Fun Cam Photos
Tell Us Your Story
WRAL.com is asking people to send their favorite memories from the N.C. State Fair.
  1. Oct 21, 2007
State Fair generic
State Fair tickets go on sale Aug. 1
Tickets to the 2008 N.C. State Fair will be available for purchase earlier than ever through the fair Web site at www.ncstatefair.org beginning Aug. 1.
  1. Jul 16, 2008
N.C. State Fair
State Fair to add 'preview' day
Can't get enough funnel cakes, blue-ribbon veggies and midway rides? The 2008 North Carolina State Fair plans to cure what ails you by adding an 11th day to the annual event.
  1. May 15, 2008
N.C. State Fair 2007 - Faces at the Fair
State Fair Shatters Attendance Record
As crews packed up the midway on Monday, North Carolina State Fair officials were celebrating a new attendance record.
  1. Oct 22, 2007 | Slideshow
Daughtry Sparks Up State Fair
State Fair Sets Record for Single Day Attendance
With one record brought down, fair officials hope to set an all-new high for total attendance with Sunday's crowds.
  1. Oct 21, 2007
Rain Doesn't Dampen State Fairgoers' Spirits
State Fair Attendance Up Despite Rain
Ponchos and umbrellas have quickly become State Fair attire after a rain-dampened Thursday and Friday morning.
  1. Oct 20, 2007 | Watch Video
Rain Falls, But Doesn't Dampen Spirits or Charity at Fair
Rain Falls, But Doesn't Dampen Spirits or Charity at Fair
Rain fell at the North Carolina State Fair on Thursday, but did not shorten the lines bringing cans on Food Lion Hunger Relief Day.
  1. Oct 18, 2007
N.C. State Fair 2007 - Faces at the Fair
'Can' You Go to Fair Today for Good Cause?
Fairgoers who bring in four cans of food will get free admission Thursday to the State Fair.
  1. Oct 18, 2007 | Watch Video
A Closer Look at Fun N.C. State Fair Festivities
A Closer Look at Fun State Fair Festivities
WRAL's Gerald Owens takes a look at N.C. State Fair clogging performances at the Folk Festival Tent and the Keith King Bike Stunt Show.
  1. Oct 17, 2007
82nd Airborne Chorus
The 82nd Airborne Chorus Sings at the State Fair
The 82nd Airborne Chorus from Fort Bragg performs at the N.C. State Fair in honor of Military Appreciation Day.
  1. Oct 17, 2007
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N.C. State fair goes green
The North Carolina State Fair has gone green. The lights, rides and games are being powered by an alternative fuel.
  1. Apr 30, 2008 | Watch Video
Crowds Pose Big Task for Fair's Security Team
Crowds Pose Big Task for Fair's Security Team
Fried food, wild rides and plenty of fun and games – that's why there's always a crowd at the state fair. And policing those crowds is a big job.
  1. Oct 16, 2007 | Watch Video
N.C. State Fair 2007 - Faces at the Fair
State Fair Attendance Lower Again on Day 3
Attendance at the North Carolina State Fair continued to be down slightly three days after the gates first opened.
  1. Oct 15, 2007
State Fair Fun Cam Photos
State Fair Attendance Up After Day 2
More than 148,000 people passed through the gates in the first two days. That's up by about 1,000 from last year.
  1. Oct 15, 2007 | Slideshow
N.C. State Fair 2007 - Faces at the Fair
Fair Officials Hope for ‘Seriously Twisted Fun’ + Great Weather
The 2007 North Carolina State Fair boasts the largest midway in North America. Organizers hope it will help draw enough visitors to set new attendance records.
  1. Oct 13, 2007 | Slideshow | Watch Video
Officials Inspect 100+ Fair Rides
Officials Inspect 100+ Fair Rides
As of noon Thursday, more than 80 of the state fair's 112 rides passed inspection. The rest should be ready by the time the gates open Friday, officials said.
  1. Oct 11, 2007 | Watch Video
Money (Generic)
Head to State Fair, Reunite With Missing Money
The North Carolina State Fair begins Friday, and there is one place you do not want to miss – the N.C. Cash booth.
  1. Oct 11, 2007
Get a Free, Energy-Efficient Light Bulb
Progress Energy will distribute 1,000 free compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) each day to State Fair attendees.
  1. Oct 12, 2007
Drought Saps State Fair Entries
Drought Saps State Fair Entries
Farmers from across the state bring out their best produce for competition at the North Carolina State Fair, but the drought and hot summer have taken a toll on the entries.
  1. Oct 11, 2007 | Watch Video
state fair
Cost of State Fair Ticket Goes Up
The North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh will kick off this Friday. This year, a good time will cost a little more.
  1. Oct 11, 2007 | Watch Video
N.C. State Fair
N.C. State Fair Aims to Conserve Water, Be Environmentally Friendly
Fair officials said they will be doing their part to conserve water and take some environmentally-friendly measures.
  1. Oct 11, 2007
state fair
Temporary Workers Needed for State Fair
The State Fair starts Friday, and that means plenty of job opportunities and plenty of people trying to sign on for the part-time work.
  1. Oct 11, 2007 | Watch Video
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