The judges have spoken, and the best of the ham has been crowned. After a 27-year absence, the N.C. State Fair Country Ham Competition returned Thursday, Oct. 15, celebrating the salt, smoke and craftsmanship behind one of North Carolina’s most beloved food traditions.Presented by North Carolina Farm Bureau, the competition recognized country ham producers and enthusiasts whose entries reflect the patience, skill and knowledge passed down through generations.
Press Releases
Annual N.C. State Fair tobacco looping/tying contest to be held Friday at 2 p.m. in Heritage Circle WHO/WHAT:
The pumpkins and the watermelons had their BIG day at the fair in Tuesday’s giant pumpkin and watermelon competition. The winning entries will be on display in the Agri Supply Expo Center for fairgoers to see and photograph at the N.C. State Fair, Oct. 15-25.
WHO/WHAT: Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will officially open the 158th N.C. State Fair with a short ribbon-cutting ceremony. Following the ceremony, fairgoers are invited to check out the recently completed 32,000-square-foot food hall and meeting facility that will house five fair-time food vendors this year. WHEN/WHERE:
RALEIGH – From fresh North Carolina seafood and sweet potatoes to locally raised beef and Southern favorites with a modern twist, the Got to Be NC Cooking Stage is serving up a delicious celebration of North Carolina agriculture at the 2026 N.C. State Fair, Oct. 15-25.
RALEIGH – The N.C. State Fair will continue its tradition of offering special themed days in 2026. The days bring special programs, events and discounted or free admission to the fair, which runs Oct. 15-25 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.“Our special days fit perfectly into this year’s theme,” said fair manager Kent Yelverton. “These days have become part of people’s fair memories for many years, and with five of our 11 days offering special opportunities, fairgoers are sure to have more stories to tell about the experiences that made their fair visit unique.”
WHO/WHAT: The N.C. Plant Conservation Board will meet to discuss items related to land conservation, stewardship efforts of the N.C. Plant Conservation Program and regulatory matters. WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 2110 a.m. to noonWHERE: Steve Troxler Agricultural Science Center 4400 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh, NC
A North Carolina tradition hits menu boards across the state Oct. 15-25 for Country Ham Restaurant Week. The event will bring together 11 restaurants from the mountains to the coast, pairing some of the state’s most creative chefs with country ham producers to celebrate an ingredient that has been part of North Carolina tables for generations. The event coincides with the return of the N.C. State Fair Country Ham Competition, connecting the farmers, curers and cooks who built the tradition with the chefs carrying it forward today.
The N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund has awarded $51.2 million in grants to help protect working farms and forests and support North Carolina’s agricultural economy.
RALEIGH — From mountain vineyards and apple country to the Sandhills and coastal plain, North Carolina’s craft beverage industry will be on display when the N.C. Wine, Cider and Mead Garden returns to the N.C. State Fair, Oct. 15-25.