Fairgoers at the 2021 N.C. State Fair will find some of their favorite exhibits in new locations
this year with the move of the Got to Be NC Pavilion into Dorton Arena, the NC Public House into the South Side of Dorton Arena and the Folk Festival near the Old Church by the Village of Yesteryear.
“We are excited to bring North Carolina-made food, cheese and beverages into one central location in the iconic Dorton Arena,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “The Got to be NC exhibit is a favorite of fairgoers, often drawing long lines of visitors. Moving the vendors, displays and cheesemakers into Dorton Arena will offer a larger space to include more vendors and provide more space for consumers to sample featured products and shop for their favorites.”
Guests can sample beer, wine, cider or soda on the South Side of Dorton Arena closest to Hillsborough Street, with a roped-off, outdoor seating area provided outside Dorton. Previously, the NC Public House had been located in Heritage Circle.
Folk Festival performances will move to a tent beside the Old Church near the round Holshouser Building. The move aligns the Folk Festival near other heritage crafts and exhibits in the Village of Yesteryear and in Heritage Circle. The Folk Festival is both a competition and celebration of North Carolina dance and music. The individual and group performances draw a crowd because of their high-energy and lively music daily.
New in 2021
• On Sunday, Oct. 17, the State Fair will host its first accessABILITY Day presented by Bandwidth. This special event day for people with disabilities, will offer a quieter, less stimulating environment with rides, games and vendor booths operating with no lights or music from 8 a.m. to noon. And music on the entertainment stages will be acoustic sets with light amplification. Throughout the day, there will be a Bandwidth Chill Out Zone, offering a quieter spot for guests who may need to take a break from the busy outdoor atmosphere; specially designed inclusive or adaptive “on the spot” competitions, noise cancelling headphones that can be checked out, American Sign Language interpreters at the Live and Local Waterfall Stage powered by Curtis Media and guidebooks highlighting all the inclusive activities offered.
• If you are into competitions, several new ones might pique your interest, including decorated Christmas trees, painted rocks, planted wheelbarrows, decorated footwear and decorated socks. The decorated Christmas tree contest features two categories of decorations – one for any holiday theme and a second for vintage or antique ornaments. You can find out more about the competitions at www.ncstatefair.org and click on the competitions tab.
• North Carolina’s livestock industry will have more days to highlight it’s contribution to the state’s economy. Livestock competitions will expand, spreading competitions out over additional days. The junior competition kicks off Wednesday, Oct. 13, running through Thursday, Oct. 21. The Junior Livestock Sale of Champions moves to Friday, Oct. 22, in the Jim Graham Building. Activities take place in the Jim Graham Building, Exposition Center.
• A new Forestry and Soil and Water Conservation building will make its debut in 2021. A special feature of the building is that the walls will be covered in boards representing all North Carolina wood types. Check it out up the hill from Heritage Circle.
• In an effort to improve fairgoer safety and efficiency of entry into the N.C. State Fair, a clear bag policy will be implemented. Limiting the size and style of bags carried into the venue aids maintaining a safe and secure environment. Any size or type of clear bag is acceptable. Wristlets, diaper bags and medical equipment bags will be accepted into the N.C. State Fair even if they are not clear, but will require additional inspection.
• Everyone knows that fairgoers in North Carolina are all about the food! Vendors have had two years to bring the best of the best and we have no doubt they will. All the new foods will be announced as the fair draws near. This year's fair will feature many new vendors, some new treats include lobster rolls, specialty shaved ice, stuffed avocados and homemade cookies.
The 2021 N.C. State Fair is slated for Oct. 14-24 at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. The fair offers an experience unique to North Carolina for all who attend, and is a great value with free entertainment, thrilling rides and games, thousands of animals, endless family activities, competitions, vendors and creative deep-fried food delights. For more information, visit www.ncstatefair.org.
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