Governor McCrory Celebrates 147th State Fair | Eastern NC Now

Fair themed "The October Original"

    Raleigh, N.C. - The North Carolina State Fair opens today, and Governor Pat McCrory is encouraging citizens from throughout the state to make the trip to the fairgrounds in Raleigh to be a part of this annual state tradition.

    "Come experience the rides, food and exhibits of the best North Carolina agriculture has to offer," Governor McCrory said. "The State Fair is a North Carolina tradition, and it should be one for your family as well. Not only is it fun, but it's educational as well; the Fair provides a showcase for some of our state's largest and most important industries."

    The governor also stressed the importance of supporting the state's agricultural industry and learning more about its proud and distinguished role in North Carolina history and its future. Agricultural exhibits and competitions remain the foundation of the Fair. Fairgoers this year will have the opportunity to see:

• livestock in the show rings and in the State Fair Ark;
• bees and horticultural crops in the Expo Center;
• flowers and garden plants in the Flower Show area;
• forestry at the N.C. Forest Service exhibit and at the sawmill;
• agribusiness companies in the Got to Be NC Agriculture booth;
• agricultural crops growing in the Field of Dreams exhibit;
• poultry at the poultry exhibit;
• tobacco at the tobacco barn, tobacco-stringing competition and mock tobacco auction;
• N.C. dairy products through the cheese competition;
• equestrian competitions;
• new agricultural technology at the Agriculture Today exhibit.

    Agriculture and agribusiness is a $78 billion industry in North Carolina and employs about a fifth of the workforce, making it the state's top industry. This includes food, fiber and forestry. Ag exports account for almost $4 billion, a significant market for North Carolina ag commodities and products.

    The Fair runs from Oct. 16-26, 2014.

• Contact: Crystal Feldman
•     govpress@nc.gov