The Expo Center is mostly about produce and animals, but there are a few exhibits there as well. For example, you can find information on the bee keeping industry there. North Carolina has the largest state beekeeper's association in the US, with over 2,000 members inside and outside the state. That is a lot of bees. And of course, the honey bee is the state insect of North Carolina.

Currently the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association is working with the North Carolina Zoological Park to create a permanent honey bee exhibit at the zoo! But that's going to take money. The NCSBA is over 75% of their way to raising $160,000 for their goal at the Fair, but they need a little more help.

To that end the organization is raffling off a John Deere mower on the last day of the Fair. Tickets are $1 each and of course you don't have to be present to win. NCSBA member Bill Waddell, of My Daddy's Honey in Reidsville, is confident that the goal will be hit at the Fair. "We're almost there," he said, "Just a few more tickets and we'll get there."

To buy a ticket, turn left as you walk in the Expo Center doors and head toward the bright shiny lawnmower. To learn more about the permanent Zoo exhibit, visit http://www.ncbeekeepers.org/zoo.htm .