Benson Nites Claims Victory in Tobacco Stringing Contest
RALEIGH — The Benson Nites team celebrated a triumphant return to the N.C. State Fair’s Tobacco Stringing Contest on Friday, October 16, 2026. Comprising Nancy Stewart, Susie Allen, and Debbie Barbour, all from Benson, the team achieved the fastest time and received the highest score in the competition.
Stewart’s impressive performance saw her loop the stick of tobacco in just 1 minute and 3.47 seconds, earning 68 out of a possible 70 points for quality. Their efforts secured the team a prize of $250.
Maple Hill Loopers Earn Second Place
The defending champions, the Maple Hill Loopers, comprised of Sandy and Ken Jones from Maple Hill and their son-in-law Michael Sunday from Hendersonville, claimed second place and $200. Sandy Jones recorded a time of 1:05.02, along with a score of 65 points.
In third place was the JoCo Stringers, which included Debbie Barbour and Allen as helpers, along with Jeanette Barbour. Debbie Barbour completed her stringing in 1:10.59 and received a score of 67 out of 70, resulting in a prize of $150 for their efforts.
Judging Criteria and Future Events
The judging for the contest considered both the speed of stringing and the quality of the sticks. Factors included bundle size, consistency of leaf heads, the number of bundles (36 to 38), as well as the tightness, neatness, and holding ability of the tobacco.
The completed sticks, along with others tied that afternoon, were sent to the tobacco barn for flue-curing during the fair. The cured tobacco will be featured in a mock auction scheduled for 2 p.m. on Friday, October 23, at the Tobacco Pavilion.
This contest is organized by the John Deere Ice Cream Boys, located in Heritage Circle.
Source: N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
