North Carolina State Fair is 60 year tradition for farm family

A big part of the North Carolina State Fair is about tradition and, for decades, the fair has been a tradition for Goldprint Farm and their cows.

At 8 years old, Jane Stokes-Everhart remembers showing her family’s cows at the State Fair.

“Our grandfather, which was five generations ago, is the one who started the farm,” she said. “This is our 61st consecutive year [at the fair].”

One of Stokes-Everhart’s first competitions was on a rainy day, similar to Saturday.

“My dad took off his raincoat and he laid it over the top of the cow so she would not get wet and we went over to Dorton Arena and I won fifth in showmanship,” she said.

This year has been a good one for Goldprint Farm, with ribbons to prove its success.

Stokes-Everhart’s sister, Clair Stokes-Wylie, said each animal is like a member of the family. The women also bring their husbands, children and grandchildren to the fair to keep the tradition alive.

There is also their “fair family,” which includes families from other farms, competitors in the ring and old friends outside the ring.

“Everybody works hard and helps each other when you need help,” Stokes-Wylie said.

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“It’s always good to see the people you see year after year,” Stokes-Everhart added.

Competing at the fair each year is a big commitment. The family must bring all the cows as well as hay, grain and bedding for several days.