North Carolina State Fair Coverage

NC State Fair plans 'best day ever'

The North Carolina State Fair is hoping guests will have their "best day ever" at this year's annual event.

Final days of the North Carolina State Fair

The North Carolina State Fair runs Oct. 13-23, 2022, at the N.C. State Fairgrounds.

Johnston County couple reminisces on 50 years of state fair memories

Sherry and H.M. Johnson of Four Oaks had their first date at the state fair 50 years ago. They have a shared faith and strong appreciation for their 46-year marriage.

Drawing with fire: Village of yesteryear puts heritage into art

WRAL's Scott Mason shares the story of wood burners at the fair to highlight the artists of yesteryear.

MeMaw making people happy with 65 years of biscuits at the State Fair

"The biscuits are the best!" Just listen to the family rave about Memaw's Biscuits. Betty Buchannan has been making biscuits at the state fair for decades.

Camels, hogs and dogs star in new NC State Fair show

A hog rolling out its own red carpet, gravity-defying dog tricks, and the most energetic camels my family has seen.

Tandra Wilkerson, WRAL contributor

Bigger is better at the NC State Fair weigh-off

Giant pumpkins and watermelons, fruits and veggies. Who can grow the biggest? The weigh-off is an eye-popping State Fair attraction.

NC Forestry Exhibit offers family fun at fair

With some interactive exhibits and forest aircrafts on site, the forestry exhibit at the N.C. State Fair is a perfect option for families.

Tandra Wilkerson, WRAL contributor

Four Oaks teenager's beloved goat cheated death to become a world champion

Hattie Jo Powell of Four Oaks has been showing animals at the State Fair since was 4 years old. Today, she's 16 and has won hundreds of ribbons for her prized turkeys, cows, and goats. She is especially fond of her goat Cooper who cheated death to become a world champion.

Free fair admission on Thursday, Oct. 20 when you bring 6 cans of food to donate

Check out these ways to save on N.C. State Fair admission, ride tickets and parking including free admission on Oct. 20 with a canned food donation.

North Carolina State Fair taste test: Rattlesnake corn dog

One of the most talked about new foods at the North Carolina State Fair, the rattlesnake corn dog is actually tasty.

Kathy Hanrahan, WRAL lifestyle editor

What does a rattlesnake corn dog taste like?

WRAL lifestyle editor Kathy Hanrahan got the story behind the rattlesnake corn dog, served at the Pioneer Wagon at the North Carolina State Fair.

'They should feel safe': NC State Fair police respond to mass shooting in Raleigh

Hours after the gates opened Thursday for the first day of the 2022 North Carolina State Fair, a shooter opened fire on a Raleigh neighborhood.

Woman takes pride in more than three decades of running horse shows at State Fair

Joan Petty runs the horse shows at the North Carolina State Fair for decades and still carries passion for her work.

Sky 5 flies over first day of NC State Fair

Sky 5 flies over the opening day of the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh.

Free parking available for NC State Fair

Free parking is available on State Fair, Carter-Finley Football Stadium and PNC Arena properties. Fairgoers are encouraged to take Wade Avenue to the Edwards Mill Extension to park in these lots.

Here's how, where to park for free at the North Carolina State Fair

From the deep-fried fair food to the new attractions and rides, WRAL has all the information you need to know about the North Carolina State Fair.

Brian Shrader, WRAL anchor/reporter

Here for the food: Take your lunch break at the NC State Fair

If food is all you want at the North Carolina State Fair, this special may be for you.

Jessica Patrick, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

Visit WRAL at the State Fair

Your favorite WRAL-TV reporters will be at the fair each day. Here is the schedule. Be sure to stop by!

Fair food vendors undergo inspections

Before a deep fried Oreo or stuffed turkey leg is served at this year's North Carolina State Fair, all food vendors have to undergo inspections.

NC State Fair food vendors undergo inspections before opening day

Before a deep fried Oreo or stuffed turkey leg is served at this year's North Carolina State Fair, all food vendors have to undergo inspections.

Keenan Willard, WRAL reporter

Kid-approved best new NC State Fair food

Children, at least mine anyway, always want to eat everything at the fair! With a lot of new options, I asked WRAL Family's Kid Reporter aka my son Colton to try some of the food to see which options were the most kid-friendly. That way you can plan which items you want to spend the money on!

Kathy Hanrahan, WRAL lifestyle editor

Best kid-friendly food at the NC State Fair

WRAL Family Kid Reporter Colton gives his take on the best new foods headed to the N.C. State Fair.

Cotton candy and military camps: Hidden history of the NC State Fair

While walking down the midway of the N.C. State Fair, with brightly-colored lights, carnival music and the smell of deep-fried foods, it may be difficult to imagine a time when tanks and soldiers took over the state fairgrounds.

Heather Leah, WRAL multiplatform producer

Ride inspections underway at North Carolina State Fair

Ride inspections were underway Tuesday two days before the North Carolina State Fair opens to the public.